Jonah took offense when his prophecy of doom was reverted by God after the people of Nineveh repented and prayed. This was the very reason he had a hard time responding to God’s call to Nineveh in the first place. He feared he would be seen as a false prophet if the people’s repentance caused God to change His mind. When it happened, he was angry at God. He didn’t know that God’s prophetic ministry to him was not for maintaining his own credibility and prophetic track record. God asked him, “Is it right for you to be angry about this?” That question is to many offended men and women of God. Is it right for you to be offended about what someone else thinks or says about you? Can’t we be content with our obedience to God or repentant of our disobedience without concern for what onlookers may think? Or is it right for you to be offended over what God has chosen to do, whom He favors or pardons?
This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. So he complained to the Lord about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. Just kill me now, Lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.” The Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry about this?” Jonah 4:1-4, NLT
We shouldn’t be as mindful of our reputation in the eyes of people, as we are about fulfilling God’s will alone. Ministry is not about making you a hero. It isn’t about making you the most anointed or most credible. It’s not about exalting you above the frailties of men. Ministry is not about having all your prayers answered or receiving all that you decree. It is not about doing well financially or having more members.
It’s not about being anything. It’s not about proving a point. It’s not about being the best. It’s not about carrying a title or being better than everyone or someone else. It’s not about being vindicated or shaming haters. It is about being a servant and serving in the will of God. Period! Stop being conceited and vengeful. Die! And let Christ live.
Ministry is about God.
Great servants, not great lords
Christian ministry is not the kind that governments and politicians have. A minister, in our world as Christ’s disciples, isn’t one who throws his weight around. His ministerial position doesn’t make him a senior believer, but a servant to the rest. In this kingdom, the Minister is not served by all. He is a servant of all. His priority is the people he serves, not himself. He honors them more than himself. Above all, he honors his Master. He honors the will of God above his emotions and sentiments. This is the kind of greatness Jesus has called us to – Great Servants, not Great Lords.
Now an eager contention arose among them [as to] which of them was considered and reputed to be the greatest. But Jesus said to them, The kings of the Gentiles are deified by them and exercise lordship [ruling as emperor-gods] over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors and well-doers. But this is not to be so with you; on the contrary, let him who is the greatest among you become like the youngest, and him who is the chief and leader like one who serves. For who is the greater, the one who reclines at table (the master), or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am in your midst as One Who serves. Luke 22:24-27, AMP
A lack of this understanding motivates some of us to be self-seeking in ministry, defending and offending needlessly. But ministry is not about you, Minister.
And that’s not just about ministry. It is not only for those we recognize to be ministers (pastors, teachers, prophets, evangelists, apostles, bishops, etc.). It is about our lives as believers. We need to do away with self-serving ambitions. Your very life is not yours to live. The Word of God says we should no longer live for ourselves but for Christ who died for us. We must die to self! Die! And let Christ live through us. This momentary life on earth should never be about our glory and comfort but about Christ Jesus. Our pursuits and focus shouldn’t be earthly riches or reputation but on heavenly approval. That is what matters.
Jonah was offended because he wanted to be a prophet whose words always came to pass. To him, God should not let some unbelievers have cause to say that his prediction was false after all. He was concerned about his integrity. God was concerned about souls. Ministry is not even about giving you a good name. It is about God. Be God-conscious and centered, not self-conceited.