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Mark 16:15, And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”
The other day I was chatting with a coworker about the future. She shared her uncertainties about her career. Then it was my turn to share. As I had said so many times before to others, I told my coworker I was looking forward to being in ministry. She asked if I meant being on staff at a church. I said no. I shared that it was about serving God in whatever way he wanted me to serve.
Sitting at my desk a short while later, I reflected on my spiritual walk. In that moment, it was as if the light had come on. I realized that, as a believer, each day is an opportunity for ministry. Jesus said in Mark 16:15 “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” At its simplest, the gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ—who Jesus is and what He has done. If I am obedient to the instruction Jesus gave in Mark 16:15, it is wrong for me to say that I am looking forward to being in ministry. Every day, my life should be a testimony of the good news of Jesus Christ. The good news of Jesus Christ who, knew no sin,
but died for our sins so that we could be forgiven and have eternal life reunited with God.
There are the subtle ways I can spread the good news. For example, whether at work, in the supermarket, at the bank, or at home, through my words and actions I can show Christ-like attributes. For example, I can show:
COMPASSION
In Matthew 9:36, the Bible says: But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.
PATIENCE
In 2 Peter 3:9, the Bible says: The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as
some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
KINDNESS
In Psalm 117:2, the Bible says: For His merciful kindness is great toward us, And the truth of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord.
LOVE
In John 3:16, the Bible says: For God so loved the world that He gave His only
begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have
everlasting life.
Given the above, I need not pack my bags to go across the world to the mission field to exhibit Christ-like attributes. Although, if the LORD requires me to, that is an assignment I would gladly accept. However, in my everyday life, wherever I encounter people—work, supermarket, bank, or home—that is my mission field.
As for me, no more looking forward to being in ministry someday in the future. Each day that God grants is another day for me to serve God. Each day is a day
for me to be in ministry.
10 responses to “A Future in Ministry”
While reading this message it made me to reflect on prophecies in my life which I received about me going into Ministry which has not come to pass as yet. Every so often I ask the Lord when will this take place as I sometimes feel that I am close to God and other times I feel like I’m slipping away from God. Many days I question ‘how do you use this broken vessel Lord that cannot seem to get it together?’
But I realize Ministry begins in our very brokenness and we may not even see it. If we are not applying Ministry in our everyday schedule when we go about our day we are missing many opportunities to be a witness. Sometimes Ministry is not in the four walls of the church, it can be to give advice/counsel, to assist a homeless person on the side of the street, or it can be to sow a seed into someone’s life. Working in a hair salon, I notice minutes into the appointment the customer (women) is broken when she is relaxed and begin to pour out her heart just by me asking if she’s having a good day. I recognize all too well that the women that sit in my chair are my Ministry and I do my best to uplift their spirits before they leave. Thank you for this message it was very inspiring
I love this, may we be ready to serve in the ministry everyday.
Thanks Jane. Its good to know I am not alone. I often think? What does God want me to do for him? I wonder…there’s got to be more to life than just being alive.
It’s always good to know what your calling is, but, I just want to serve, and be a servant for others. No man is an island and we all need each other in the body of Christ.
BTW, I love your blog!!! Congratulations! Easy to find, and its great!
Thank you,
Venus
Good, very correct!
Wonderful observations!
Amen! Thank you for this message.
I also pray that I will be able to serve God each day.
So so true. May the Lord find me faithful in the mission field He has already placed me. Praying for the grace, passion and strength to be a reflection of His love, kindness, patience, and compassion.
Just what I needed to hear at this stage in my life.
Love it and keep sharing.
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