Some people engage in ministry their entire life. Others delay, answering their calling until later in life. Regardless of the timing, ministry is ministry—it is a calling.
“Be doers of the word and not hearers only…” James 1:22
It’s always interesting to learn how people begin their faith journey, and also their ministry. True, we cannot possibly ever earn or work our way into God’s favor and grace, and subsequently Heaven. However, once you begin your Christian faith journey and embrace Jesus as your Lord and Savior, everything changes for the better--eternally. No, it does not guarantee us an easy life. But God’s presence changes us for the better when we invite Him into our daily lives, often moving us into a life of service for Him.
When we receive a calling from God, He connects with us and tries to get through to us any way He can. Scripture tells us that in the case of the Apostle Paul, God actually spoke to him about his calling, his mission in the following way:
“Get up now, and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness of what you have seen [of me] and what you will be shown.”
Acts 26:16
Some people engage in ministry their entire life. Others delay, answering their calling until later in life. Regardless of the timing, ministry is ministry—it is a calling. It is all about doing good for others, and putting one’s self aside in a life of service for, and witness to, God. As we try to emulate Jesus, we draw closer to God, for His glory, not our own.
When we are called to ministry, it is God himself who calls us. Oftentimes, He sends people into our life to lead us in our calling. Or He leads us in prayer and to read scripture, which is the Word of God speaking to us. Why scripture? Because:
“All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching…so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17
A calling may begin with just a gut feeling, or an idea that stays with us, enabling us to bring it to fruition. Though we may feel fully unaware of and unprepared for our calling, there are so many ways that we can embark on our journey to live out the purpose that God has especially for us. For He has a plan for each of us, and will always equip us to do His work.
“And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ…”
Ephesians 4:10-12
“…Our qualification comes from God, who has indeed qualified us as ministers of a new covenant…”
2 Corinthians 3:5-7
People on a Christian faith journey often naturally WANT to serve God, through helping others. They find solace, knowledge, discernment, and instruction in Holy Scripture, The Word of God. This desire to serve God through others is not generally due to a mandated duty to do good to others, but to the desire of your heart--a way of life—a life of service to God. In essence, we become a new creation when we recognize our imperfections and sins, and choose to reconcile with God, and serve Him with all our being. “So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come." 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Do unto others as you would have them do to you..." The Golden Rule /// Luke 6:31
When you decide to live a Christian life of service, everything changes, you strive to keep your actions squarely focused on Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Yes, we are all sinners—we all fail to do God’s will at times--but we serve a compassionate, forgiving God. All we need to do is go to Him, and ask for forgiveness. Then the slate is wiped clean, and we are once again prepared to serve Him with all our being according to His will.
Like any other relationship, we need to stay in communication with God. When, through prayer, we invite Him in to our lives, He stands at the helm, ready to help us and guide us in every imaginable way. He never forces His will upon anyone, though He is always present, especially when we seek Him or ask for His help.
As Christians, we try to keep Jesus in mind as we go through our daily life. When we pray for whatever we need, or what’s on our heart for others, we need to pray with confidence, and great anticipation, that God will show up. He will! He will pave the way, comfort and heal us. He will provide for our every need. And, He will equip all He calls to step up, and out, in faith. But it is truly a personal choice as to how we answer that calling.
I admire the way Jesus lived and how he treated people. But what seems to be left out of the story is how he existed. Surely people offered him food and shelter throughout his nomadic life. And, as he gathered his 12 disciples around him, it must have taxed villages greatly to feed and shelter him and his entourage. Did he make wine from water everywhere he went?
I have a friend and fellow author who has changed from his wild, but wasteful, younger days, into doing Christian good deeds throughout many countries through missions that he pays for by his profitable business here in the states. He meets your criteria in this article perfectly.
Growing up and having all of my basic needs taken care of, the companionship and assistance of my twin brother and a basic sense of moral right, I learned that helping people was just a way of life. When I saw someone in need and could help them, I just did.
As I grew older and more disabled, my help turned from the physical to the mental. I have tutored many students at no charge. I have offered to help people using the computer, doing their taxes, editing their stories and books, help with social problems and many others, just out of the goodness of my heart.
