Ministry Minus-Try
Chains that I’ve worn as jewels, wounds that I’ve accepted as treasures, the sweet taste of eating from the wrong tree…
For so long I’ve been like fire, reaching for something else to consume… another “opportunity”… another burden. Flashing through seasons, I’ve been scrambling to fill that need of feeling useful, or that need of making some kind of progress. In my serving, in my growing, have I only been reaching for my own value? Peh, as if I can really give the Lord anything but my own heart. How can I expect my service to him to be valuable. Don’t get me wrong… well, get me wrong if you want, I don’t care… as ironic as it sounds, I don’t see any humble reasons to serve. The debt I can never repay doesn’t ask me to try to repay it… does it? Is this a walk of grace or a walk of works? Surely our spiritual fruit is important, but it is not the goal, it’s the result of something else.
Instead of being like fire… like eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, in an attempt to be like God, I think I’ll be water for a while. Yeah… I’ll just flow with where the landscape takes me. I’ll let the forces of nature draw me up into the sky, in that intimate place where I’m with my maker. When that cloud get’s too full, He’ll pour me down where I’m needed. I’m going to stop treating everything like a huge feat. I’m going to start being an element that others can draw from instead one that tries to refine them with the flames of correction that so often push people away. I’ll do what water’s supposed to do, I’ll be the water that I was made to be. I may be muddy… but all I need to do is be drawn up into the sky again, then I’m pure.
If “the ministry” is something seperate from our everyday lives, then I say “the ministry” is equivallant to the wrong-tree in that garden of Eden… an attempt to be something we’re not but we think we’re supposed to be for some reason.
Take that, frustrating goals and lifestyle.
Awesome thoughts. Know the feeling.
You’re right about “the ministry” needing not to be something separate from our lives. What makes “the ministry” a ministry is the heart. What makes “the ministry” the “wrong-tree” is when we let it become a routine and obligation. Most people don’t realize that it is a choice but it is in fact our choice. Every opportunity with people is an opportunity to minister in a way that is pleasing to God.. not just act out “the ministry”. You get what I mean? I believe all things are a heart issue and the problem with a lot of people in the church today let themselves get into a routine and just serve in “the ministry”. What do you think?
I think what makes “the ministry” a true ministry is the power of God, not the heart. I know my heart and flesh will fail over and over. My heart needs to be seeking Him, is that what you mean? I think we agree.
My point is that we shouldn’t try to minister, but we should just be what we are. Creations that love the creator are the people that will be true ministers and not those who’s identities are governed by works.
Man that is strong. You’re right, just let God place you where He needs you. He doesn’t make mistakes, so you have no worries. God Bless.
Yeah… i think our perception of “ministry” is just different that’s all. “ministry” means-the act of serving. Ministry is not the worship leader position, or the pastor position.. ministry is serving… those things are just vessels. The reason why I said it’s a heart issue is because we will always be serving something… either the things of God or our flesh. We will serve Jesus’ plan, or the Devil’s plan. Therefore, we will always be serving something… the heart issue comes in here- do you decide to serve the people of the church and the pastor to please them.. or do you serve them because that’s what God has called us to do and it pleases Him? does that make more sense. I think if you elaborate on what you thing “ministry” is… we’ll find where we’re missing our points.
1Peter 4:10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.
1Peter 5:2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers–not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve
I agree. Ministry is the act of serving by my definition as well.
…uh… 1 Peter 5:1-4 was writen to the elders. I don’t see myself as an elder. What are you trying to say? So what if my hair is thinning… it happens to lots of guys our age.
A worship leader has a similar role, not the same but in a way oversee’s the flock
what about the first scripture?
Elder doesn’t mean just age, it is age, seniority, rank or superiority… but if that isn’t good enough.. i’ll give you more scriptures after lunch.
I like the first scripture. I like it a lot. It says part of what I’m trying to say. The context is in a wider field than the common “missionary callings” we know (speaking, music, mission trips, ect). He’s talking about offering hospitality and so on.
SHA-BOOM! That second verse is good enough. I AM willing to serve people because God wants me to. I’m not trying to weasel out of it. I was just joking because it specifically addresses elders in verse 1. I just thought it was funny… sorry.
1 Peter 4 is talking about Living for God… yes hospitality is a gift and he say’s just before vs 10 to offer hospitality,, but when it says to use what gift you have recieved it isn’t talking about just hospitality, he’s talking about all gifts… hospitality is a great gift.. though it’s different that music and speaking, it lays in the same catagory as gifts do.. I don’t think the context is any wider than what gifts are. It is a gifting that even crosses what we know as missionary callngs though I’m not sure what that has to do with what we’re talking about.
Yes, gifts are gifts. “…WHATEVER gift he has recieved…” I wasn’t trying to defend myself, I was just telling you what I thought about the verse. I like the hospitality-part of the context. It gave a community-feel opposed to what’s common to what I’ve known to be ministry.
No no, this place isn’t dangerous at all. Or at least the insects and reptiles aren’t dangerous. Now, running on the road comes with its own style of danger – especially when the cars fly within inches of you.
Down here in our little group I was placed in charge of the worship as well. Very different setup, however, and my friend has to play the guitar. I tried teaching myself before I came but when you go from playing trumpet to trying to play guitar the fingers take a while to get used to moving. I guess I’ll tackle that task again when I get back to the states.
Nice drum.
Okay, I have to admit that I just reread your post, with more a clear mind now, and I actually let it sink in this time. I know I can relate as well – there have been times I’ve done my duty because that’s just what it was – my duty. I’ve only recently learned to shift it towards something else. I find myself now getting so caught up in the reverence of worship that I know I am singing, and I can hear my voice coming through the speaker, but it’s not me – I feel completely separated, removed from the equation, and it’s all about God. The rest of the world just disappears – man I love that feeling!
I wish I could really make more sense right now, but my finals start in 9 hours. I do promise there is an occasional profound thought that crosses my mind, and once in a while I’m able to catch it with words. Right now is just not one of those times. So if you happen to get this message any time soon throw up a little prayer for me and my exams – I’ll drop back by when I can come up with some more coherent thoughts.
By the way – no more snakes. The landlard laid out poison.
wow, I like the discussion between you and stairwell. it’s so cool to see men taking seriously the call all Christians have on our lives. sometimes it feels like a lot of men aren’t taking responsibility for the position they have in life…you know, the natural leadership God gave men. My mom was the spiritual leader in our family, and boy am I glad, but I can’t imagine the things God would have done in our family if my dad hadn’t rebelled. He died of cancer 2 months before I got married. It’s a serious thing to refuse to follow God’s will…anyway, I’m glad He means so much to you. Sorry so random…