If you don't respect yourself and the calling God has placed on your life, no one else will.
Church folk, like Joseph's brothers, will throw you in a pit and try to sell you off or sell you short, but you have to find some sticks in that hole and build a ladder to get you out
Here are the 5 Rungs of Respect I used to get out of a hole or two.
Thou shalt not quit caring
I put this at the top because I think it’s the one I loathe most in myself. I’ve always cared too much. The wounds and scars of working with hurt people who hurt people, can do you in. It’s still no excuse to quit caring.
Thou shalt not give less than 100%
It’s easier to just phone it in after being left for dead. It’s easy to "just do enough". You can justify it by saying “they're not worthy of my best” and shrug it off but that hurts no one but you. You are not the better person because you give less.
Thou shalt not give into fear
Being in a hole doesn’t mean you failed, it’s called a ministry hazard. Dreamers find themselves there often just don’t let fear keep you from dreaming or the dream God has given you.
Thou shalt not hide
Don't give in to the temptation to hide in the hole and feel sorry for yourself. “They’re just going to throw me back in” you might say, but you have to show yourself, and your students, that resilience always wins. You have to show up.
Thou shalt not waste your time on hate
Hating those who threw you in that hole is a losing proposition. Hate only makes the hole deeper. Don't let the hole other put you in turn to hate otherwise that hole becomes a grave.
In a hole? You're welcome to borrow my ladder.
Have an awesome week.
Paul
PS
If you're looking for ministry or career advice, happy to do a 15 min zoom call, shoot me an e-mail at thediscipleproject@gmail.com
I've been working with teenagers for over 30 years and coaching youth workers for over 20 yrs. Sign up for my weekly newsletter the Youth Ministry Round Up for encouragement, articles and videos to help you build a successful youth ministry.