1 Peter 4:10
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: ESV.
One of the more difficult aspects of Christ-like living is restructuring our thinking. It is said that re-learning takes three times more effort than learning it correctly in the beginning. For most of us, we are typically set in our habits, thought patterns, and perceptions within the first 20% of our lifetime. The remainder years we either spend fine tuning them or redressing them. As a Believer, we most likely will spend more time morphing into a new creation where our new friends and family members wouldn’t even recognize the old person of yesterday.
One of the areas we slowly begin to change is our perception of ministry. Initially we may see ministry as something the church leadership does. Later we may see ministry as those other people helping the less fortunate. It is only later that we see ministry more broadly as simply serving those around us.
Somewhere in time we in the western world have been educated to believe that ministry is something spiritual and every other occupation as secular. Yet the Bible shows us that God sees everything as spiritual AND physical. He doesn’t segregate the two. He knows we need both the physical elements to live and breathe and the Spirit to live up to our human potential.
A good example is work.
How does God provide food, clothing, and shelter to people? Isn’t it through people who are gifted in the specialties of their roles within the business community? As these people serve one another are they not exercising their gifts in their service for one another?
When the early Church ordained deacons to serve the widows and orphans they selected men full of the Spirit of God and gifted for the responsibilities. God has ordained the institutions for the role of providing human care. From government, family, education, medical, law, business, entertainment, etc., God provides a place for all of us to serve one another with the gifts He has graced us with.
So the next time you feel less worthy in your vocation, remember God has gifted you to serve others. Your role is just as important as any pastor or church minister in the eyes of God. Therefore ask yourself, how can you best serve others in your marketplace?
Rooting For You in Christ!
Dr. Mike
Encourager & Founder of
Vocational Leadership 360
Author of e-Books:
* Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
* Great Business Emulates a Good God
* Be Radical…Follow Christ!
* Simply The Messenger
* Unequally Married
Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!
Radical In Christ 