(What I do versus Who I am) John 14:6; 10:10; 6:35; Mal 3:3-4
Ministry is another word for service which involves what you do with God for the good or the advancement of His kingdom and for the betterment of mankind. It involves doing something. The life of man before God represent His total being i.e. Who you really are in God's view. While men, Christians and the church authorities celebrate and encourage more of ministry and service, I see God saying 'you look at the acts while I look at the heart'.
God is more concerned about your life, your being, about who you really are in His sight because He knows that what you do is either directly or indirectly a reflection of what you do. You do excellent works because you are an excellent person since excellence is a spirit and a nature.
Your ministry is the outflow, expression and release of your life. Your ministry cannot be better than your life. This is why God places more emphasis on our lives than on our ministry. Martha wasn't wrong for her acts of service but Jesus was just showing her that her life and being is of paramount importance to God than her acts and doings.
In God's due order, He does not do through you for others what He has not accomplished in you. Ministry to God is the expression of the Divine impressions in your heart. It is also an outward manifestation of your inward connection to God. If you are not so connected to God for Him to impress life and light on your heart and in your light, how do you think God would use to transmit light to His people.
In ministrations, ministers release who they are to the people they minister to. Ministry is not just about words, songs, write ups etc but about the life of the minister. Little wonder Jesus said the words I speak to you are spirit and life. This is why when an adulterous preacher speak about holiness, the people may be listening to his words but their lives and spirits are receiving from the outflow of the spirit of adultery within him.
Jesus first became a shepherd before he started the acts of shepherding. The disciples were first made to become fishers of men before they were commissioned to the acts of fishing for men. Until you become holy, you can't do holy works let alone preach on holiness. Who you really are is of paramount interest to God than what you do.
Prayer: Search me, oh God and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts and see if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
God help me. God search me.
ReplyDeletehmmm!!! Lord be my help and help me to be right with and in You.
ReplyDelete