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)

Service is Ministry

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.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Thank you for visiting. We trust that you have enjoyed reading our articles.

Liked this post?

Read more below or search for more topics...

  • Why Are You Asking “Why?”

    Why Are You Asking “Why?” “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I - and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me . . . I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance” (Job 42:2-3, 6 NLT). I suspect the most common question that people ask God begins with “why.”  Why was my house destroyed in the fire?  Why am I so unhappy?  Why don’t...
  • Finding Peace

    Finding Peace “But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently” (Romans 8:25 NIV). One of my greatest desires is peace.  However, it also can be one of the most elusive.  I “postpone” peace until some task is completed.  The problem is that some tasks can often go on for years, if not for a lifetime.  As I hurriedly try to check items off my “to do” list, more items are added. A friend recently told me that I should focus on discerning what it is that God wants me to learn, see, or do while...
  • Do You Know A Proverbs 31 Woman? I Do!

    Do You Know A Proverbs 31 Woman? I Do! “When you give to the poor, it is like lending to the LORD, and the LORD will pay you back” (Proverbs 19:17 GNT). Scripture is full of stories of women that have played essential roles in advancing the work of our Lord.  These prominent women include the Matriarchs Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah, Miriam the prophetess, Deborah the judge, Huldah the prophetess, Rahab, Esther, and many more.  Many of these women are recognized in the Faith Hall of Fame found in Hebrews 11. Proverbs 31 describes the many virtues of Godly woman.  The Proverbs 31 woman can be commended for all the wonderful things she...