I have been challenged these past couple of weeks by something our guest speaker, Joel Kiekintveld, said a couple of weeks ago. I don’t remember his exact words, so let me paraphrase: “If the ministry you’re doing with people isn’t messy, then maybe you’re not really doing ministry.” For those of you who were here when Joel spoke, did those words stand out to you, too?

I use to think that those who appear to have an unwavering, consistent faith were the most spiritual. I use to think that the secret of the joy-filled Christian life was about finding stability and homeostasis in a chaotic world. I use to think that something was wrong if I felt like I was having trouble connecting with God. Now I know that the reality is that we are all—in some way, shape or form—a mess when it comes to our spiritual lives. That’s right, we are all a mess! So, why do we still get so frustrated to realize that following Jesus, even though it is simple, is rather challenging? And, why do we get frustrated when we see people around us who just don’t get it? Isn’t it our job, as members of the body, to help them get it?

I think the Apostle Paul knew all of this when he wrote: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14) So, we have to ask ourselves some questions: Have we come to believe that ministry has to pass a “white glove” test where success means that we cruise through life unscathed by the needs around us? Or, are we truly willing to get messy in ministry by entering do life together with others who are also messed up?

            In his book, Messy Spirituality, Mike Yaconelli wrote: “Spirituality is not a formula; it is not a test. It is a relationship. Spirituality is not about competency; it is about intimacy. Spirituality is not about perfection; it is about connection. The way of the spiritual life begins where we are now in the mess of our lives.”

If you haven’t already done so, I would challenge you to take the “white gloves” off and get a little messy. After all, getting a little messy in ministry sounds a lot like something Jesus would do.