Pitfall Road Sign Illustration Design
One of the pitfalls to being a “Barnabas” is that our hidden objective is to meet a need in our own lives — Look over this list and see if you identify with any of the false beliefs here.
• Not being spiritually healthy or emotionally mature ourselves. Belief: If we minister, God will love us more.
• Maybe a need for validation or recognition from the people we minister to. Belief: In our emotional immaturity, we need to know that we’re needed. Or a Belief: We feel productive/important if we’re doing something.
• May have subtle pride. Belief: We feel we need to tell the pastor or others about what we’re doing in “our” ministry.
• WANTING TO BE THE “SAVIOR” FOR OTHERS. Belief: Being involved in a ministry will fix our own problems. Or a Belief: We feel that if we can “save” somebody else, that may clarify our own issues.
• May be stuck in a “works” mentality. Belief: If we minister, God will bless us.
• May need to feel like the expert at something. Belief: We have to have all the answers.
• May have an anger-driven motive for service. Belief: We feel that no one was there for us when we were hurting.
• May believe that as those we minister to get better, we will get better. Belief: We will vicariously be healed ourselves.
• May have a “fix-it” mentality. Belief: We can’t stand chaos and are driven to “fix” others.
Ask God to search your heart and reveal any wrong motives in your work with those with D.I.D. Ask God to help you answer these questions?
• What constitutes “success” in my eyes?
• In what way am I ministering so that my own needs will be met?
• How much do I rely on other people’s approval and praise?
• To which specific pitfalls am I most susceptible?
