We humans have a natural tendency to squeeze the calling of the Lord into our cultural/religious traditions and expectations. This propensity has an uncanny way of distorting our understanding of God's purpose in our lives. Thus, we need an occasional reminder of the fundamental nature of our calling as ministers of the Lord:The Ministry of One-Anotheringby Chip Brogden"Whoever wants to become the greatest must become the servant of all" (Mark 10:44).When anyone comes to me now and wants my advice about "going" into the ministry, the first thing I seek to do is upset all their ideas about ministry and talk to them about being a servant, taking the back seat, being hidden from view, lowering yourself, and practicing the art of One-Anothering.The ministry of One-Anothering doesn't require a platform, a pulpit, a building, a budget, or a Board. You can start immediately, with no training and with no experience, and you don't have to quit your job or do anything dramatic. You cannot be voted in, and you cannot be voted out. The Life you possess qualifies you to be in the full-time ministry of One-Anothering. Your wounds are your credentials. You can go to your brothers and sisters right now and say, "The Lord has called me to the ministry, and I am beginning it today." Love, pray for, encourage, and serve the saints. So many times we have observed individuals who claim to be called to some great work but they neglect the basic principles of One-Anothering. There is no competition for the lowest position, so let all who love the Lord go there first and become a servant. [url=http://www.theschoolofchrist.org/articles/oneanother.html]Full Article[/url] (highly recommended)May God inspire you to grow and mature in this high calling. Diane
_________________Diane
It is quite apparent that the topic of ministry occupies many minds quite significantly. Here is another morsel by which we can shape our thoughts. It is again taken from Chip Brogdens [url=http://www.theschoolofchrist.org/articles/oneanother.html]Full Article[/url] (which I highly recommend as a helpful preliminary for our thinking on the topic of ministry): Every Christian is called to the ministry of One-Anothering. We are to love one another, serve one another, submit to one another, instruct one another, encourage one another, help one another, forgive one another, and so forth. This is our spiritual service. This is your ministry to the Body of Christ and the basis from which every spiritual gift should operate. It would be profitable for you to do a study of all the places in the New Testament that mention "one another". There are a considerable number of references. You will immediately benefit by seeing that Christianity is not for hermits. There is no place for individualism in the Kingdom of God, for we are a Body of many members, each fashioned together into interdependence. You will also see that we are called to live very simple lives of quiet service to our brothers and sisters. It is neither complicated nor difficult. (...)
thank you diane for this article. i have been refreshed and refocused back on loving and serving others..thanks.
thank you diane for this article. i have been refreshed and refocused back on loving and serving others..
I also enjoyed this article. Chip brought out some good points...points that are often times neglected when one thinks of "ministry"Thanks for posting this sister.
_________________TJ
LoveHim, Here's an area where I believe I need growth: Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Phil.2:4
we'll see that we all could grow more in that area of our lives..
