Why are you in Christian ministry?
Philippians 2:3 (NIV)
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves
Why are you in Christian ministry? It is good to reflect occasionally on that question. The answer is not in what we “think” our motive to be, but in what we actually do. The Apostle Paul writes these words from prison…clearly, there was nothing in ministry for him personally. He could not even write a bestseller about his experience! It would have been easier for him to become a recluse and live in a monastery. But that decision would have cut him off from others! Paul, though, was just the opposite. In the first eleven verses of chapter one he uses the words “you” or “your” eleven times. In other words, my effort is for you…is on your behalf. Did the “others” always respond as Paul wished? No. But some did! And some will for you, too. Let’s concentrate on ministering to others and leave the consequences to God. “Others, Lord, yes others. Let this my motto be. Help me to live for others That I may live like Thee.”
Tom Swartzwelder was born again at the age of nine in an old-fashioned revival meeting. Tom received his B.A. from Tennessee Temple University and his M. Div from Luther Rice Seminary. He has pastored for nearly forty years in both bi-vocational and full-time roles. He provides practical how-to-do-ministry resources for the disciples of Jesus Christ. Tom’s latest book is “God Speaks–Today!”
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