Chutes & Ladders

I will probably come back and write more on this topic later on when I am a little less tired, but some more reading in my book has brought me to a discussion on ladder climbing.  David Hansen talks about the dangers and damage of seeking to be a ladder climber in ministry.  It was very powerful stuff.   Although I have been accused of ladder climbing before by some who were trying to shift blame and attention, ladder climbing has not been a primary concern of mine.  You don't purposely move to western Maine from Lancaster County, PA or even Southern Maine and plan to stay there.  You don't turn down positions in Portland area, Auburn area, or Waterville area churches to stay in small rural churches with almost no kids if you are looking to make a name for yourself in ministry.

All I have wanted to do, is to be effective serving. But I understand the allure of the ladder.  I, in my flesh, desire to climb ladders.  I look at what others have for opportunities and my heart begins to covet.  And I have to stop, repent, refocus.

Jesus, as the author points out, was encouraged to climb a lot of ladders.  They wanted to elevate Him.  He ignored all the ladders.  "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and give His life..."   The way of the cross is toward greater humility, more sacrifice, less power, position, glory.  The way of the cross is downward, not upward.  "If any man come after me, let him deny himself.......He who finds his life will lose it, but he who loses his life for my sake will find it....whoever shall be the greatest among you will be the servant of all."  I must constantly watch the sinful flesh in me that eyes the ladder.  I must embrace the chute everytime.  Deny myself.   That's why I don't like to be called "Pastor" instead of "Ira".  Some disagree.  They say, you deserve respect.  But that attracts the attention of my pride.  I reach for that bottom rung.  No, I'm just Ira.  I'm not here to gain respect, I'm here to serve.

As a kid (and even now) I always enjoyed slidding down the hill more than climbing up it.  That is the best approach to ministry.  Aim for the chutes, avoid the ladders.