Don’t worry, this isn’t a rant about crazy distracted drivers, although I think we can all relate to that topic.
What I want to talk about today is ministry. Wait! Don’t run away just yet. You don’t have to be behind a pulpit or have a nonprofit to be in ministry. Don’t believe me? Consider this:
Ephesians 4:11
v11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,
v12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
The Apostle Paul said that Christ gave us (the Church) gifts, and those gifts were intended to equip us (the saints) for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.
Is Christ’s body still being built? If souls are still being saved, then the answer is yes.
What kind of ministry do those who are recently saved need? They need to be taught and shown how to follow Jesus—think Discipleship. They need encouragement, exhortation, comfort, and various other ministries. Sometimes they need financial support. What I’m getting at is there are a variety of ministries, some in the Church building, others outside, but each is important and necessary.
Consider this:
1 Corinthians 12
v29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?
v 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?
What’s the Apostle getting at? Essentially this: Stay in Your Lane
In 1 Corinthians 12, the Apostle starts by discussing spiritual gifts. He then goes on for the next 16 verses to talk about various parts of the body analogously.
To sum up what he said. Some of our ministries are like hands but others like feet. The hands are seen, but the feet often go unseen. What does he mean? We need every part of the body to function to our absolute best…and that includes you and the talents GOD has given you.
During my years of serving Jesus, I’ve experienced two common themes:
One: People highly exalt those on stage, i.e., ministers or singers, but have a tendency to overlook other ministries.
- We need to realize that it’s the grace of GOD working through the person on stage, just like it’s the grace of GOD working through you. You are as important in the body of Christ as the person on stage.
Two: People get discouraged because they don’t have the ministry that one person has.
- Trust me when I say that you don’t want that person’s ministry. God has specifically equipped them to carry the burden of their position. Just like God has specifically equipped you to do what he’s gifted you to do.
Think about it like this. When I joined the military, they needed Air Traffic Controllers. I didn’t want to be in that job, but the needs of the military came first, whether I liked it or not. That’s why one of the Air Force’s core values is: Service Before Self.
Before I went into the Air Force, there was another job that I wanted to do, but I didn’t get the chance. I actually became very bitter for a season of my life because I felt cheated; however, now that I look back, I see that GOD had a better plan for me. I happened to meet some lifelong friends and my wife while serving as an Air Traffic Controller.
Now, let’s apply that to our place in the body of Christ. GOD knows you. I know that sounds like a “no duh,” kind of statement, but I assure you it’s profound. GOD created you, and he knows you. He knows the length of your days. He knows where you’ll be tomorrow and where you are today. He also knows the gifts which he’s given you to bring glory to him. He knows your talents and lack thereof.
Two tips:
One: Be content with the gifts and talents that GOD has given you. If your ministry resembles a foot more than a hand, be okay with that; and that’s coming from someone who isn’t overly fond of feet.
Two: Faithfully use whatever gift you have, whether it be service, charitable giving, supernatural gifts, teachings, etc… to bring Glory to God. If you’re sweeping floors, then bring glory to GOD. If you’re preaching to thousands, then bring glory to GOD.
In summary, stay in your lane. You’ll be happier.