Big Studly Tuna

Read the interview with Phil Vischer (Veggie Tales creator) here.

For now, I'll spoil the ending for you:

What advice do you have for pastors trapped in a false gospel of impact?

First, there is a danger in applying business principles to ministry. Businesses use numbers to measure success and ministries shouldn't. Using numbers to convince ourselves that we are doing God's will is dangerous. Second, remember that nothing is scripture except Scripture. We shouldn't look at a model another church is using and simply adopt it. Because God has uniquely led someone doesn't mean he is leading you into the same thing.

How are you employing these new ideas in your ministry now?

My new company is called Jellyfish Labs because jellyfish cannot choose their own course; their direction is derived from currents. As a Christian I should be thinking of myself more as a jellyfish than as a big studly tuna. I have a wall full of new ideas. But the moment I pick one and call it my dream—my big, hairy, audacious goal—I'm holding onto it too tightly. And that's a big change. God is now my dream, my deep desire, not what I can do for him.

GIT-R-DONE!!

Then I heard the voice of the LORD saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8)

Here's a situation that may seem familiar to you: In class or bible study, your teacher/pastor asks a question about something you aren't quite sure about. The teacher/pastor starts looking around the room for someone to answer it. You slink down in your seat, trying to make yourself invisible--praying that you won't be picked. Ever had an experience like that?

Unfortunately, many believers react the same way when it comes time to serve God. When they see a need or a service opportunity, they do everything they can to make themselves invisible, hoping that God will pick someone else to get involved.

And that's a mistake.

You see, Christian service isn't just about helping others. It's about pleasing God and drawing closer to him. The best way to strengthen your bond with your heavenly Father is through obedient acts of service. If you decline the opportunities he gives you to serve him, you're the one who will lose in the long run.

Will you be that person? Will you step up to the plate like Isaiah did and say, "Here am I--send me"? Don't let excuses like busyness or inexperience stand in your way. Few people have enough free time to get involved in service projects. People who are serious about service make time. And most people who volunteer for service work have no idea what they're doing. However, they learn very quickly that when God calls someone, he also equips that person. He will not let a small matter such as lack of experience stand in the way of his work being done.

So what are you waiting for? It's time to volunteer!

Read more on Isaiah's assignment from God in Isaiah 6:1-13.

Adapted from "Revolution Devotional" by Livingstone Corporation