Occupational hazard is a very common expression in our society that refers to potential risks, dangers, or perils associated with one’s job or profession. For example, people who work with asbestos risk developing lung cancer later on in life; roofers run the risk of falls and injuries. In general, most professions, if not all, have associated risks.
So are there associated risks with Christian Service (Ministry)? The answer is a resounding yes! There are associated risks for being a Christian; Jesus warned, “In this world, you will have trouble” (John 16:33 NIV). The early Church was bitterly persecuted, and the hymnist captured it this way, “Mocked, imprisoned, stoned, tormented, sawn asunder, slain with sword.” The Church today still faces persecution in horrible ways, including isolation and being disowned by loved ones. Persecution and the like, as harsh as they sound, are not the worst hazard associated with Christian Ministry.
The worst I believe, is DISCOURAGEMENT, which can happen to any Christian, no matter how spiritually matured. How does one arrive at discouragement? Discouragement creeps into our lives for various reasons and at different times. Discouragement can result when there’s insufficient support or cheering on (encouragement), insufficient supplies to work with, obstacles and threats in the way, and the absence of fruit. Discouragement, if not appropriately addressed can lead to despondency and throwing in the towel.
First King 18 recaps for us the contest between the prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel . Elijah challenged those prophets to call on Baal to send down fire to consume their sacrifice, which of course didn’t happen. On the other hand, God answered Elijah’s prayer! When he called, fire came down from heaven, burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the soil, and licked up the water in the trench. After demonstrating that “The Lord--He is God! The Lord--He is God!” (1 Kings 18:39 NIV), Elijah had Baal’s prophets killed. King Ahab’s wife, Jezebel swore to kill Elijah in revenge. So what did Elijah do? He ran for his life; he went into hiding! He was so discouraged he wanted to die. His prayer was, “I have had enough, Lord, take my life; I am no better than my ancestors” (1 King 19:4 NIV).
Elijah was exhausted, persecuted, and afraid, which then led to discouragement, to the point of wishing he were dead. Could it be that he had no prayer support? Maybe! Before Elijah was discouraged, he was fine. He had challenged the people, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him” (1 Kings 18:21 NIV). He had also challenged the king without fear of punishment, telling him he and his father’s house had made trouble for Israel (see 1Kings 18:18), and then taunted the prophets of Baal about their god who could be asleep, deep in thought, busy, or traveling (see 1 Kings 18:27). Discouragement however, changed everything for him; he threw in the towel!
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