I was meditating on the first two chapters of the Book of Job. I found the interaction between God and Satan to be very intriguing. As I mulled over the passage in my mind and heart, I found that what was not said to be riveting. In fact I would say that what was not said in the interaction between God and Satan helped me to see what really matters in pastoral ministry.

Consider what the passage says:

And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.” Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”
Job 1:7-8(NKJV)

Consider what the passage does not say:

Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, look at how big his flocks are, check out how many camels he has, ponder the how many servants are in his household, what a payroll, consider the size of his wealth, look at his influence in the community and nation…

Is it not interesting that God did not commend Job’s possessions and achievements. Rather the Lord focused on his character, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil.

The implications for a pastor are significant. When the Creator of the universe looks at a pastor, he does not say:

Have you considered My servant Pastor ________________, that there is none like him on the earth, look at what he has accomplished at _______________ Church, look at the church’s attendance on Sunday morning, look at how many ministries have been started, ponder the impact of the church’s service to the community, what a leader, look at how relevant his messages are, consider the influence that he has in the community, just check out how many friends he has on Facebook …

What really matters in pastoral ministry is character. God looks at our character not our so called accomplishments for the Kingdom. Men look at that and don’t care about the character of a man.

What is God saying about me during His conversations in Heaven?

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