The One Question That Makes Pastors Resent Their CallingSample

Day 2: The Better Question

Yesterday, we identified the dangerous question poisoning many pastors' joy: "Is this all my calling is worth?"

Today, I want to share the better question that changes everything:

"Am I being faithful with what God has provided?"

This simple shift transforms your entire perspective on ministry and money.

When we ask about faithfulness rather than fairness, we:

• Acknowledge God as our ultimate provider, not our denomination or board
• Focus on stewardship rather than salary negotiation
• Put ourselves in partnership with God rather than feeling abandoned by Him
• Align with Jesus' teaching that faithfulness with little leads to responsibility over much

In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25), notice what the master praises. Not the amount each servant had, but their faithfulness with whatever they were given.

The servant who buried his talent made a fatal error—he focused on what he perceived as unfair treatment ("you are a hard master") rather than being faithful with his assignment.

As pastors, we face this same temptation. We can focus on what seems unfair about ministry compensation, or we can focus on faithful stewardship of what we've been given.

And here's what I've discovered working with ministry leaders: those who focus on faithfulness rather than fairness often end up in stronger financial positions because they're making decisions from biblical wisdom rather than emotional reactions.

When you shift from "Is this all my calling is worth?" to "Am I being faithful with what God has provided?" something beautiful happens:

• Financial pressure doesn't disappear, but resentment does
• You start seeing opportunities instead of only obstacles
• Your ministry effectiveness increases because you're not distracted by bitterness
• You model healthy stewardship for your congregation
• You position yourself for the "much" that Jesus promises faithful servants

Today's Challenge: Take 10 minutes for a "Ministry Gratitude Audit." List everything God has provided for your ministry—not just salary, but the privilege of preaching, people you've impacted, skills you've developed, and the eternal significance of your work.

Prayer: Father, thank You for entrusting me with the incredible privilege of ministry. Help me focus less on comparing my compensation with others and more on being faithful with what You've given me. May I hear "well done, good and faithful servant" at the end of my ministry journey.

In Jesus' name, Amen.