But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:5 (NIV)
As ministers, we are all called to serve in God’s Kingdom. God’s Spirit has given each of us gifts that may be called ‘talents’ and it is in using these gifts that we are filled with joy and peace. No other time or place or person in our lives will give us that ‘God-something’ that fills the longing and we know that we are in the middle of God’s plan for us. I have been thinking lately on some of the characteristics that describe this ministry that God has chosen for me.
Humility – from the moment I answer God’s beckoning to ‘come’ and ‘serve’ using the gifts He has given me, I know that it is ALL about God and Him being glorified. If those I serve, see God more clearly and live their lives closer to Him – then I am on His path and plan.
Multiplication – My plans can never illustrate the magnitude of God’s plans. In fact, I suspect that many times I am ignorant of how HUGE the plan is that I am a part. If I knew – I would certainly cancel the first characteristic of ‘humility’! God takes a mustard seed and grows it into a tree! He takes my ‘little obedience’ and makes it into a Kingdom Battle Won!
Priorities – God has given me His priorities: 1) Love Him 2) Love my neighbor 3) Love myself. God has given me a call and purpose for my life. In my case, it includes a family so He will provide the time for that also. He will show me the balance in serving Him does include serving Him through my family. If I am not pouring out His love on them but only on others, then I am not in His plan. When God gave me a family, He did not intend that I sacrifice them. He shows me how He does ‘multiplication’!
Unity – Unity does not mean homogenizing. God calls us to unity as we worship and serve only Him. When we accept His perfect love as the perfect atonement of our sinful selves, we come together to make the Body of Jesus Christ. There is much we can agree upon and work together to build His Kingdom. We can live in peace as brothers and sisters, uniting under His love and living as His children so that those who do not follow this Shepherd will envy us and want what we have.
I suspect that you have some characteristics of your own and I would love to hear from you. Please send me an email! Let us live a life of joyful duty to our Father that comes from love.
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 (NIV)
