Jeanette Renouf

My dear friends,

The lessons today seem to be about not letting our egos take charge when our ministries are successful.

My ministry as a missionary for 10 years took me to many parts of the world where I preached and/or taught.

I was always aware, as I still am, that it was God speaking through me; it was not my words that people were hearing. Often, when I was praised, I would say, “That was God, not me.” It would have been too easy to take the credit and begin to think it was me who was so great.

Most often I felt I received more from the people I visited than I offered them. The faith and dedication of so many Christians in small, poor countries was very impressive and inspiring. I almost felt guilty for how blessed I was by them—compared to how relatively little I had to offer in return.

Their witness, perseverance, and resilience in such difficult circumstances was very often awe inspiring and much greater than any learning I could share from my life. I was extremely blessed by the opportunity to be invited to share their lives.

When we are praised for our ministry it seems important to remember we are called by God, and the Spirit deserves the credit for any success we may have. We are just the vehicle for transmitting what God wants done. It is indeed a humble gift to receive.

Buddhists are warned to avoid spiritual materialism—which they define as the ways that the ego co-opts spirituality for its own benefit. A warning all of us engaged in ministry are well served to heed.

As Jesus says in today’s Gospel from Luke: “I am among you as one who serves.” So, too, it is to be with us if we are to follow Jesus.

Peace and Love,

—Jeanette