Opportunities

What is ministry? Some consider it to be a short-term trip to Mexico. Others see their own ‘work’ as a ministry, like mopping the church kitchen. Most see it as a position held by a graduate in theology, like the pastor of a church. This is not what the scripture explains as ministry. Being a pastor is ministry, but some don’t. Mopping the kitchen can be a ministry, but most don’t. A short-term trip to a foreign country doing ‘missions’ can be, but again, some don’t. The problem lies within the thought that there is a separation from the ‘real life’ and the ‘ministry’ one performs. Ministry is literally a service. It is to serve. It is to serve in such a capacity as to perform for the King what He expects from us, His servants. This is conducive then, not to what we assume ministry to be, but what He says it is…people, souls. They are both lost and saved individuals that need the mouth, hands, and feet of Jesus given to them. 

2 Timothy 3.14-17— “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

A vocation you’ve chosen to dedicate their life to. You may have even thought, ‘Those ministries take real dedication, but God isn’t calling me to that.’ 

Ministry is not something God only calls a few of his followers to. In 2 Timothy, Paul exhorts Timothy to use the “Scripture” in ministering to those around him. He charged Tim to use the Scripture to help and enable others to grow in their fellowship, walk, and obedience with Christ. Ministry goes hand-in-hand with being a believer. If you are born-again, saved, have a relationship with Jesus, by the power of the Spirit, then you have a ministry (2 Corinthians 5). It should be natural for you to strive to meet people where they’re at and walk with them to the place God wants them to be. Emphasis on ‘what God wants…’ Tim was told to use the Scripture, so it isn’t our great ideas, or knowledge, or personal experience. Man’s advice is junk. They need to hear from God, more than you. Ministry is for anyone and everyone who has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Ministry is needed everywhere people are. And people are everywhere we are. So you have an incredible ministry opportunity right before you every single day. 

This means if you are a stay-at-home mom, a business owner, or a teacher at a school… your ministry is primarily alongside those you are with. People you come in contact with, and those who ‘pop-up’ seemingly out of nowhere, are all your ministry. Not someone else’s, your’s. Your influence is essential. You should use your opportunity to leverage for the Kingdom of God. You have that business, that house, in that grocery line… because of God. Nothing is an accident, nothing is happenstance, and nothing is without the providence of God all over it. It’s not just about living a good life in front of others. People need hope, life, truth, and to find the way. Jesus is all of those things and we must be His minister to those people. 

Can you not see how God has sovereignly placed people around you as opportunities for you to minister to them? Let’s choose to glorify Him in our obedience as minister for Him, to others.