The Danger Of Working FOR God And Not WITH Him

As I watch the world slip into a dark place and Christian Ministries failing because they are no longer supported by the Christian church for the work they do, I begin to see why there is a departure from faith in the way we as believers live our lives and the way we operate as ministries. It becomes easy to take our eyes off God and begin to live and operate in an attitude of self-reliance. However, when I feel that mindset begins to creep into my own thinking, I am reminded of a true story that happened a little less than 40 years ago.

By the mid-1980s, NASA wanted to make space travel relevant again and chose a social studies teacher from New Hampshire, Christa McAuliffe, as the first civilian in flight. She was set to teach two lessons from space: “The Ultimate Field Trip” and “Where We’ve Been, Where We’re Going.”

On January 28, 1986, adults and school children alike watched cheering this historic moment when Challenger lifted off.

Seventy-three seconds later, it exploded.

For me, that day is forever etched in memory. I stood dumbfounded, overwhelmed by intense emotions much like how we all felt during the September 11th terrorist attacks. Investigations later revealed a faulty O-ring compromised by cold weather as the cause.

One small, seemingly insignificant part, one terribly cold night, and one poorly timed launch destroyed an entire mission and claimed all lives on board.

Had the temperature been higher, the outcome could have been different. The shuttle was simply launched at the wrong time.

In many ways, we risk a spiritual version of this same disaster when we move prematurely when we allow flawed motives and unstable foundations to propel us before we’re ready. We worship working FOR God instead of partnering WITH Him. It’s as if we’re building a 21st-century Tower of Babel, where they built a city, a tower (platform), and a name for themselves. In the hustle for more church attendees, more finances, more social media followers, our identity can slip into what we produce, instead of who we are in Christ.

I am often reminded in ministry that God’s priority isn’t the product; it’s the person behind it. A bigger platform means little if you’re broken or unprepared to steward the influence God gives you.

Before God can launch you, it often takes a trip through the spiritual wilderness, a season of deep healing where God shores up the cracks in your foundation. Like NASA ignoring the warnings about the O-ring, we sometimes gloss over our hidden issues or emotional wounds because we’re in a hurry to “lift off.” But in God’s Kingdom, timing is crucial. Move too soon, and you risk self-destructing like the Challenger did.

So how do you prepare for liftoff whether that’s writing a book, launching a ministry, or pivoting into a new career? Luke 14:28 – 30 talks about counting the costs. The idea of assessing the potential difficulties, challenges, and sacrifices involved in a decision, and making sure one is prepared to bear them.

First, we begin with inner healing. Be willing to “go there” with God in the areas He’s highlighting that need to be healed. Work with a professional coach or counselor who is trained in this area. Don’t skip this step just to get your project or dream off the ground faster.

Secondly, we stay low and keep humble. Remember where you came from, and all God has done for you. Start each day with thanksgiving. It’s easy to take credit for the good that happens, but real humility keeps you grounded when success comes.

Third we need to be always learning to cultivate a heart of curiosity about God’s Word and the experiences He brings your way. Stay open to correction. Lifelong learners, of which I am one, hold the posture that there’s always more to discover and ways to grow.

Fourthly, we need to bring others and not just build our own platform; invite others to stand on it with you. God’s Kingdom is upside down, when we elevate others, we all rise higher. Seek out opportunities to mentor, collaborate, and give others a voice.

God has a mission for you, and He cares about the smallest details of your life. If you move too soon or under the wrong conditions, you may “explode” under the pressure. Letting go of your own timeline and trusting Him with each step is crucial. When you submit fully to God’s process even if it’s longer than you’d prefer.  He can launch you in ways you never thought possible.