Ministry.
It's a simple word with vast implications. An old friend of mine has been dealing with some very painful realities in his position as minister, and in our discussion I mentioned that while he was one of the busiest men I knew and was fantastic at organizing events, he'd been crippled when it came to ministry.
"But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith" 1 Timothy 1:5.
A minister's task is to bring true seekers of God closer to the ideal relationship with Him. While my friend had great acumen when organizing activities or planning events, he had never truly learned to minister to God's people. Questions that ought to populate a minister's mind have to do with how he can help his fellow Christians improve. What does my Christian family need? How can I help? How can I encourage? What needs to be corrected? What message from God's word will stir up love, good works, and pursuit of righteousness? After answering these questions a minister ought to spend his time supplying what he can to fill the needs he has discovered.
A truth concerning the situation of ministry, however, is that Christians must be open to receive the ministry they are offered, and all too often we are not. Rather than being a possessed of a heart that is hot, glowing and pliable, we guard a heart that resembles cold, hard steel, repelling the efforts of the smith to mold it. Lack of perceived need, resistance to change, pride, and ignorance are all ingredients that harden and make brittle the Christian heart.
God loves the heart that is soft and will adhere to His mold. Ministers, let us strive to provide that mold accurately and suitably. Christians, let us constantly ask "How can I take the mold that God wishes me to take?" Let us work to realize our own shortcomings, be open to change toward the ideal, remove haughty pride, and eradicate ignorance through study of God's word.
J
