Peter: Often, people assume a Wall Street investment banker has a bigger ego than a humanitarian aid worker in Africa. And that workaholism only affects for-profit America. But that’s not always the case.
I’ve been in ministry long enough to realize that it’s possible for us to be “selflessly serving,” but to be completely self-centered in the process. Unless we rediscover the foundation of our service, good work can be all about us: promoting our image, heightening our own vanity and pride. Families can be neglected in pursuit of doing “great things for God.” And we can become more obsessed with all we’re doing instead of who we are becoming in Christ.
While sharing my personal story, I discovered the lure of success and pride derails too many leaders. In fact, Dr. J. Robert Clinton conducted a study that discovered only one in three biblical leaders finished well. Dynamic, God-fearing individuals weren’t immune to burnout, spiritual disillusionment, infidelity, etc. He said it’s likely it’s the same percentage today.
Ultimately, good things apart from God can become spiritually toxic.
What do you hope will happen in the reader’s heart and mind after they finish with The Spiritual Danger of Doing Good?
I hope they come to a greater understanding of their own motives and brokenness. Even the Apostle Paul recognized, “Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me” (Romans 7:21). When we acknowledge our brokenness, we can find freedom to truly serve for a lifetime.
Why we serve makes all the difference. It’s not to gain leverage over God. It’s not for the purpose of making a name for ourselves or creating a successful organization. It’s out of a heart posture of gratitude to a God who knows we aren’t perfect, who recognizes that we are a mess, and who loves us anyway.
Our service is downstream from the Gospel message. Simply, it’s a response to God’s generosity. We forget this and it is just a matter of time before we self-destruct.
What advice do you have for someone interested in working in missions or for a non-profit?
There’s been an explosion of people serving, giving, and going, and I celebrate that. But please remember that doing good work won’t make God love you more than He already does. In the Gospels, Jesus was close to people who were broken, who recognized their sin and need, not those who thought they had it all together. It’s interesting that Christ’s harshest critique was to the ones who did the most good, the righteous. But they relied on their own goodness instead of God’s grace. Their good work become the enemy of the Gospel.
I want to fan the flames of radical and passionate service, but I want to do this in a way that makes Christ the center of the story.
What 3 books have most impacted your life and ministry (besides the Bible)?
In addition to the wonderful books by Margaret Feinberg (seriously – loved The Sacred Echo!), here are the books that have recently influenced me:
- Beyond Ordinary: When a Good Marriage Just Isn’t Good Enough. Justin and Trisha Davis recognize an ordinary marriage is a dangerous place to be. Don’t settle for one—because that’s where often the Enemy attacks first. This book has greatly strengthened my marriage, and I’d recommend it to any married couple.
- The Prodigal God or anything by Tim Keller. Tim Keller reveals that the story of The Prodigal Son is not just about a hedonist younger son, but also a do-gooder older brother who is estranged from a relationship with his Father. More than any other book, The Prodigal God influenced the concepts found in The Spiritual Danger of Doing Good.
- How The Mighty Fall: And Why Some Companies Never Give In – While less famous than Good to Great, How the Mighty Fall is, I believe, the best business book that bestselling author Jim Collins wrote. Lessons from failure offered in How the Mighty Fall are far more helpful than lessons from success.
To win a copy of Peter’s new book, enter a comment on the original blog post below. Winners will be selected and notified on Friday!\
Congratulations to the winners: Candice Adams, Ken Taylor, Jennie
What’s advice do you have to others in ministry?
