Thank you for visiting. We trust that you have enjoyed reading our articles.
Service is Ministry
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:10 NIV)
We live in a self-serving secular world in which people act to serve their own self interests. I had a dear friend that has gone on to Glory but on earth he worked as an economist. He claimed that the entire system of economic theory is so purely deductive that everything in it can be deduced from one essential axiom. The rationality axiom states that “a rational person maximizes his/her utility.” Some economists will substitute “utility” with “self-interest,” or “well-being.” This statement has often been interpreted to mean that the pursuit of self-interest is the only thing that is done by rational economic people and that anything else is irrational. This theory has been criticized by some economists, but it still raises an interesting point. If we serve others are we acting in an irrational manner or are we displaying true leadership, as modeled by Jesus, by being a servant leader?
In my opinion, service to others is the heart of Christianity and the visible sign of a disciple. We can give our service to God and the Bible refers to this as “storing up treasure in Heaven.” When we give our talents and resources to others are we not engaging in Christian ministry? Each of us was made for ministry. Each of us has been given unique talents to build up the Body of Christ. “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us…” (Romans 12:6). Not all of us are called to ministry or capable of physical labor. However, these are just a few of the numerous possible ministries. I once heard of a woman that had a unique ministry of prayer. Each day she opened up her local newspaper and prayed for the newborn babies and for the newly married couples. When asked why she did not pray for those listed in the obituaries she responded. I rejoice for them for they have entered into eternal glory for our loving God. Ministry can also be listening to others that are having a tough day, making it known that your house is always open to talk with those hurting. God has gifted us all with the ability to smile. A ministry of smiling can have a tremendous positive impact on others.
Let’s return back to the economic discussion. We all know the basic economic principle of supply and demand. For most goods or services, there is a finite supply. However, it is important to realize that our “demands” (e.g., prayers and petitions) on God can never exceed His infinite supply of grace. In short, nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:35-39). So we are justified in Christ Jesus and have the confidence that He goes with us as we go to do ministry that he has prepared for us. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).
So, why should we do ministry? The Bible says, “This service you do not only helps the needs of God’s people, it also brings many more thanks to God. It is a proof of your faith. Many people will praise God because you obey the Good News of Christ—the gospel you say you believe—and because you freely share with them and with all others” (2 Corinthians 9:12-13). Ministry is fulfilling The Great Commission. How you engage in ministry is a process of constant discernment.
Prayer: Dear God, We seek to share your love with others. We desire to have a meaningful ministry that will glorify your name. We need your help each day to identify opportunities for ministry. Equip us with Your love and wisdom and we walk with the peace that surely you will be with us until the end of the age.
Meet the Author
Todd Shupe is a Men’s Ministry Specialist through the General Commission of United Methodist Men and is in training to be a Certified Lay Minister through the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. He currently serves as the President of the Baton Rouge District of United Methodist Men and is a Board Member for Gulf South Men and serves on the Action Team for The Kingdom Group. He is a volunteer for the Walk to Emmaus, Grace Camp, and Iron Sharpens Iron. Todd resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
We welcome your comments below.
Liked this post?
Read more below or search for more topics...
-
Give to Receive?
Give to Receive? “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God” (2 Corinthians 9:11 NIV). Most Christians understand the need for giving. For early Jews and Christians, almsgiving was the act of filling a material need for someone less fortunate, usually by giving money. God incorporated the concept of alms into the Mosaic Law when He ordered land-owners to leave to the poor the corners of the fields (Leviticus 19:9-10), and every seventh year, leave the entire field (Exodus 23:10-11). In churches today, "alms"... -
Dealing With Toxic People
Dealing With Toxic People "Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character" (1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV). Many years ago as a college student I took a biology class, and we spent some time learning about toxicology. I remember learning about the toxic threshold, which is the exposure level or dose of an agent above which toxicity or adverse health effects can occur. I recently listened to a radio show about “toxic” people on a local Christian station. Clearly, exposure to these people is not lethal, but it is very problematic. All of us can be toxic to others at times, and Christians are not... -
Men, What Do You Crave?
Men, What Do You Crave? “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation” (1 Peter 2:2 NIV). We all have cravings. A craving is a deep desire that implies something stronger than a mere want or desire. Life is full of temptations and urgent problems which all serve as distractions from our spiritual cravings. So, how can we be expected to sustain a spiritual appetite? Below are five steps to consider. 1. Remember God loves you always Nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). His grace is infinitely stronger than our sin. A...