Yesterday I gave my van a good washing because it really needed it. And I did it with a smile on my face! because on the back of the van was the dirty handprint of a child who closed my trunk.

That handprint was funny to me….

but it was also a reminder that ministry is messy.

true Ministry is always going to have its ups and downs. So we cannot be surprised when those who we love either attack us, or let us down.

1. The individuals who obey us completely, and promise to always stand by our side may be gone tomorrow.
2. Those who are faithfully serving the Lord will eventually fail.
3. The ones that we help whenever they are in need cannot be found when we are in need.
   

Please understand I’m not angry about ministry being messy.

I’m saying we should not be surprised when it is!

we are all human beings with weaknesses and simple natures. so we are bound to let one another down, and yes, even sin against one another from time to time.

When someone puts a “dirty handprint” on us, it reveals a lot about our heart.

1. Do we become angry?
2. Do we pursue them in love?
3. Do we calm our emotions so that the situation can be dealt properly ?
4. Do we confront and a biblical way?
   

Sadly, many of us when ministry is messy would have to respond “no”

The hard part about overcoming others who have hurt us is a wrong motivation. We can often be motivated by a sense of justice. But instead, we should be motivated by the love of God.

When I get my dirty handprints all over the place, God does not respond in anger.

In Grace calls me to repentance…

Washes my stains away….

At restores me to Fellowship.

I can do no less!!

The Christian life guarantees that we will be wounded and letdown. But these are opportunities, not for anger, but to display the gospel.