today...
Thursday, 3 June 2010
being called to Jesus
Just something I want to share when I was doing quiet time... some food for thought about being involved in ministry and serving Jesus.
There is a big difference between being involved in ministry and serving Jesus. Ministry is what you can and like to do for God - using your talents, gifts, skills and life experience. Ministry is saying, "Jesus, this is what I want to do for You."
But serving Jesus is asking Jesus, "Jesus, what do YOU want me to do?" You freely avail yourself to Christ with no hidden agenda, no ulterior motives, and no preconditions. You just want to please God and follow him unreservedly. (Ps Kong Hee, 2009)
Remember the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42?
Mary was the one that chose to sit at Jesus feet, whilst Martha was caught up in the busyness of being hospitable and making sure everything was in order that she lost her focus on what was more important. Mary understood what it means to be called to the Lord. Your first calling is not to ministry, but to Jesus.
The example of Martha speaks of Christians who have their priorities all messed up. They are more concerned about the busyness of their ministry than the God of ministry, and I must admit that I'm sometimes caught guilty of this too. As much as I love what I do for Christ, sometimes I can really get carried away with the busyness of it all. We must always remind ourselves the purpose of what we do and why we do it. We must always have our focus on the One who gave us life.
Something my friend told me in recent months really got me thinking. He said, there was a particular person who's life was based completely on ministry. Of being involved in various various ministries keeping him busy, yet at the end of it all, he ended up worn out and burnt out. He had no solid foundation built in Christ to sustain him and I was sad for him.
Much like we have to put in time and effort with friends, to get to know one another and know each other's characters, we also need to spend daily time with God to hear His still small voice speak to us.
Rediscover the beauty of our Lord. Do your quiet time daily! Read His word. Sit and soak in His presence. Pray. Worship and sing Him praises. You are His first love and He's waiting for you :)
today...
@7:40 pm
bye bye~