At some time or another, I believe most of us get to a place where making a difference in others’ lives becomes a priority. For some of us, that might come earlier in our journey than for others. For me, it’s more acute now than it ever has been. Maybe that’s because I’m finally admitting to myself that I’m middle-aged. (Yikes!)
No matter how old we are, where we live, or what our day-to-day job is, we can have a ministry. I like this definition of ministry I found on Bible.org – “The faithful service of God’s people rendered unto God and others on His behalf to bring Him glory, build up His church, and reach out to His world.”
So what is my ministry? And who am I supposed to serve?
In her book, Loving my Actual Life: An Experiment in Relishing What’s Right in Front of Me, Alexandra Kuykendall shared this “Philosophy of Ministry.”
“Ministry is whoever is at the door or on the phone.”
Really? Is that it? I thought ministry needed to be big and important, like going on a missions trip or heading up the children’s program at church or volunteering at a homeless shelter. Those are all great things to do and wonderful ways to serve. But ministry is often “smaller” (in our minds), less grand, and just a part of our every-day activities.
So there’s actually a somewhat simple answer to my question, “What is my ministry?”
I can choose to minister to whoever God puts in my life today. It’s one person at a time. It’s my husband, my children, the receptionist at the doctor’s office, the school secretary. Who’s right in front of me that needs a word of encouragement? Who needs to hear the words “I’m praying for you?” Who am I talking to on the phone that just appreciates a listening ear or would accept my offer to bring over a meal?
Galatians 6:10 says, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” I want God to be able to trust me to be faithful in my ministry. As He places people in my path, I want to be responsible to see the need, and to help and uplift where I can.
And let’s not forget why we’re ministering. I might want it to be so that I feel good about myself or can get a pat on the back. Yet that would be the wrong motive. Ministry and service are to point others to God, to bring glory to Him.
When we open our door and answer our phone, let’s look for our ministry opportunities today!
Related posts:
How Can God Use Me Today?
What Does It Mean to Serve My Husband?
5 Ways to Serve Others as a Family
I don’t remember who said it, but I heard time that changing diapers is just as important as preaching the Word because it’s what God has called us to do at that moment. I try to remember this as I get interrupted multiple times every day by my children. 🙂
Yes – I wish I could always remember that I can choose to minister right in the moment! As you said in another comment, I tend to temporarily forget the truths I should be living sometimes. But that in and of itself reminds me how much I need the Holy Spirit’s help to live in a way that brings glory to God.
YES!!!! I think of every single Zumba class I teach as a ministry! I pray over everyone who comes, I pray beforehand that God will bring His people to class, and I pray that His healing, health, joy, & fulfillment will radiate to everyone in the studio! I want Him to use me to improve the quality of life of everyone I come in contact with. ❤️
Love this, Sues! What a blessing it would be to attend your class, knowing that you had prayed over me!!!
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️