October 1, 2017 TAKE HEED
Colossians 4:16 “And say to Archippus, ‘Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.’”
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 “Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.”
Just as Archippus had been given a ministry, we too have been given a ministry from the Lord. It’s likely that many believers do not see themselves as having a ministry, or being in the ministry, but to realize that we have received a ministry from God gives us a new perspective and purpose in life; being a representative of God is bigger than anything else we may do. Many believers, as well as non-believers, think of ‘pastors’ and ‘preachers’ as being the ones who are ‘in the ministry.’ Having this narrow and unbiblical view of what it means to be ‘in the ministry’ robs believers of the joy of seeing themselves as having a ministry to which they are called to by God. In Ephesians 4, we find that God gave to the church apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastors, and teachers, in order to equip believers for “the work of ministry.” Sad but true, in our day, many believers see going to church on Sunday as fulfilling their Christian role. The scriptures make it clear that believers are to be involved with the church, but for the purpose of being energized and equipped to be about their own ministry-seven days a week. God calls each believer to a particular ministry that only they can fulfill, and being engaged in that ministry brings a sense of satisfaction and blessing unlike anything else. According to the scriptures, God has given each believer a certain gift, and that gifting becomes evident in ministry. (Search the various scriptures that deal with spiritual gifts.) Operating in your spiritual gifting and ministry is a joy and brings satisfaction, while trying to operate outside your spiritual gifting is burdensome. As an example, it is most miserable to try to teach if you do not have the gift of teaching. The opportunities for ministry are endless. There is a difference in ‘good works’ and ‘good works done as unto the Lord.’ Anyone, including non-believers, can do good deeds, but when it is the love of God that motivates the ministry or good deeds, the kingdom of God is encountered. God will open doors for ministry when we are sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit may impress upon you the opportunity to help a neighbor who has a need, visit someone who is ill, speak a word of encouragement, give a listening ear, help someone financially, have a weekly bible study in your home-or somewhere, serve on a the worship team at church, write letters to those that are in prison-the list could go on-but you get the idea. There are two basic factors in being an effective minister-being sensitive to the Holy Spirit, and being obedient to His leading; when we do hear and obey the Spirit, we will find ourselves fulfilling the ministry that He gives us. We have been reconciled to God, and now we have been given the opportunity to share this word of reconciliation with others. Being reconciled to God is more than going to heaven when we die-it is all about our lives here on earth being transformed into His image-what a fantastic ministry we have been given!
1 Corinthians 3:8-9: “Now the one who plants and the one who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers, you are God’s building.”
Blessings,
Buddy
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