Credit Check

Many dance ministers revel in perceived success. Ministry invitations, first class travel, 5-Star hotel accommodations, and large honorariums can become the trappings of success. Although it is a blessing to be cared for during ministry engagements, lack of humility and pride will trick us into expecting ministry to be comfortable at all times. True ministry requires knowing how to abase and abound. It is easy to assume that a ministry that appears to be prosperous, internationally known, and booked solid year-round indicates God's favor. The truth is found in who we are away from the platform.

Everyone will not agree with our choices or what we do, but it is important to have good "credit" in ministry. We can learn from our mistakes, but when our missteps become chronic habits, our personal reputations suffer and the ministry is also blamed. We do not have to concern ourselves with false accusations; however, if there is any truth to a bad report that is being given about us, we must deal with it quickly. Ministry business and offenses that are not handled will often grow into gossip and speculation that reaches far beyond our imaginations.

We must accept that our personal lives testify to the validity of our ministries. If we continue to dance week after week while our marriages and families lack attention, owe money to creditors while taking lavish ministry trips, treat ministry members like slaves instead of Kingdom citizens, or generally have a bad reputation regarding our behavior, we lower our ministry credit rating. If we hear negative reports about ourselves, before we get defensive, we must ask the Lord if there is any truth to it. If we find through revelation that we need to repent, we must make amends and adjust our ways immediately. When our ways please the Lord, even our enemies will be at peace with us.

1 Samuel 2:24 (NKJV)
No, my sons! For it is not a good report that I hear. You make the LORD’s people transgress.

Job 5:17 (NKJV)
Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.

Proverbs 22:1 (NKJV)
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold.

2 Corinthians 6:3 (NKJV)
We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed.

Hebrews 12:8-10 (NKJV)
But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness.