The Blessing of Looking Back

Sharing a few things from 45+ years in ministry.

By Rick Shallenberger, Editor

I will retire in mid-January, and as I look back at my 45+ years in ministry leadership, which includes 40 years of full-time employment with GCI, I am amazed at the opportunities and blessings God has invited me to participate in. I’ve been blessed to write for numerous publications, pastor several different congregations, travel the world sharing God’s love and life with others as I’ve taught Christian Living at our youth camps, theology and leadership to multiple leadership teams, co-authored a book with our GCI president, and served as a regional director for the past decade. I’d be hard-pressed to focus on a highlight because there have been so many.

When deciding what I’d like to write about for my final column as Equipper editor, I considered numerous topics. Eventually, I decided the best thing is to share a few key verses that God has brought to my attention on numerous occasions and some subsequent lessons.

John 13:34 — “A new commandment I give you; love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Here Jesus didn’t replace the two great commandments, He showed us how to love God and love one another by His example. When Jesus, the Son of God and Son of Man says He gives us a “new commandment” it’s something to pay attention to. May God help me love like Him for the rest of my days.

Colossians 3:1-3 — “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” This passage has encouraged me through the many times I was focused too much on the here and now, and not enough on Jesus.

Ephesians 1:4-6 — “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” There were many times the Holy Spirit had to remind me that He has made me whole (holy) in Christ, that I live in grace, and that I am loved. These truths will continue to encourage and empower me to continue in whatever ministry He leads me to.

Galatians 5:1, 22-23 — “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Growing up in a legalistic cult, I relish the freedom I have in grace. Not freedom to do, but to be – to be free to know and worship a God who loves me and chose me to be in Him before the foundation of the world. No law, rule, or regulation will ever keep me from living in that truth. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Romans 8:1-2, 31, 38-38 — “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” I lived many years in condemnation — brought about by bad theology and my focus on the self. But Jesus brought me to Himself by reminding me that God is for me. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Further, God reminds me of His love for me. “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

There are so many other passages I could name that God has used to remind me to stay focused on Him, to not think too highly of myself, and to use my time and energy to love Him and to love others. He continually reminds me He is my Abba, my brother, my counselor, my king, my hope, my refuge, my strength, my comfort, and my Savior.

And He is yours. Keep looking up to Father, Son and Spirit. Put on His armor of truth, faith, readiness, and righteousness as you hold fast to your salvation. You are beloved, so be loved.

May God continue to bless you, your ministry, and your family.

P.S. One of the blessings of looking toward retirement is having the opportunity to decrease so others may increase. I am confident the next editor will make Equipper better than it’s ever been. Look for an introduction of the new editor in the January issue.