Ministering/Serving

Romans 12:6-7 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, [let us wait] on [our] ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 

Ministry or ministering is simply defined as serving or service. No wonder our church meetings are called services. In it's simplest form it's delivering the material needs of the saints. It's has the same meaning as the word deacon. 

The way to the top or to greatness in the Christendom is not by being served but by humbling oneself to serve. The earlier one discovers that, the earlier they start that path to greatness. You will have to give yourself for the benefit of others, you become the shoulder on which they climb to greater heights. This is contrary to how the world operates. To the world being served and how many bow to you in service makes you great. But that's not God's way. 

In the old testament we see David the youngest of his brothers tending the livestock of the family - this was the norm for the younger to do such work in Israel. No wonder God chose Him above them all. Even when he went to Saul's palace, he continued serving him by playing the harp for him to chase away the evil spirits which were tormenting Saul. Later on it was recorded that  Israel loved David because he led them out for battle-serving. 

Jesus too said he did not come to be served but to serve. There is no way round about it. Of late there are sweet sounding words which are attempting to demean the spirit of servant hood and slavish service. Beware of them. They will tell you that you don't need to know how to do something, but know who knows how and you can make money by simply collecting a bunch of those who know how to do what you cannot and they do it for you. It's said that's working smart. In the kingdom the way up is not simply telling others what to do, they need to see your example doing it before they get inspired to do the same. Mind you in the kingdom we volunteer to do God's work without pay. So you need to lead by example. In the other smart system of the world, the bunch of people you gather to do what you cannot are motivated by money, if you cannot reward them with it, you cannot have their service. 

Jesus gave us the perfect example by dying on our behalf. Trust me the disciples wished they could die sacrificially like him on the cross too. It was a honour for them to die like their master because of the persecutions they got. 

Many nowadays know a lot of scripture, have good rhetoric and fluency in the Word, they can quote their favourite preachers verbatim but don't have results of souls won, churches planted, books written, songs released because they are too proud to serve. They belittle the minor duties of cleaning the church toilets, cleaning church auditorium but they want to be the lead worship leaders or the lead preachers! They want to start from the top. It cannot work. Even in the world system, you cannot come out fresh from university to be employed as a CEO of a serious multimillion organisation. You rise your way through the ranks.

Child of God respect the order which God has set in the church. There are those God has endowed this spiritual gift of ministry/service but still let's all bear a servant attitude. Start now!

EK