Reflections on Ministry
01.30.2006
What is the meaning of life?
On one level, it really doesn't matter. On other levels, part of any person really wants to know. But, if you ask a person, what purpose do they have in life, most can provide a list of responsibilities, dreams, aspirations, goals, etc. Purpose gives us meaning.
What purpose is there to a ministerial life?
I like to do things intentionally, so this question sparks my interest. I understand that my Christianity is more than "cultural context". If there is any purpose, then, it is God's purpose and not my own.
Of course, my willfulness disrupts my intent to live this way. The saints themselves didn't live perfect little lives, and I am not even close. But I'm closer than I once was, and am grateful for the room for improvement.
Why bother? What are the rewards of a lifestyle of ministry?
Things like happiness, grace, joy, inner peace and patience, for starters. There is satisfaction in understanding and living a purpose. There is freedom in not being "in control".
Does a ministerial life make a difference?
Yes. When I look around at what happens when I let God set the agenda, the results are visible. In times when I'm trying to control my own agenda, the results are less smooth, less positive, less rewarding and more difficult.
How can a person know what the "will of God" is?
Seek and find. A few "directions" are listed in the next column, for example. Reminders, encouragements, hints, etc. What is true? That which leads us to God.
What does a ministerial life mean for me in reality, the day-to day living?
When I think, speak & act with patience, compassion, generosity, gratefulness and honesty, then things go well. That's not the easy way, for sure. I mess it up regularly. But it is worth the effort.
Finding Direction...
"Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me... Just as you did it to one of the least of the these who are members of my family, you did it to me."
—Matthew 25:34b-40
"Blessed are you who are poor, for your is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when the exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven, for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets."
—Luke 6:20-23
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."
—Matthew 5:5-9
"If you want to become whole, let yourself be partial. If you want to become straight, let yourself be crooked. If you want to become full, let yourself be empty. If you want to be reborn, let yourself die. if you want to be given everything, give everything up. —Tao Te Ching 22
A quote of Oscar Romero
You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."—Matthew 5:14-16
—Matthew 25:14-30
The parable of the investment of the 'talents'
"The master has no possessions. The more he does for others, the happier he is. The more he gives to others, the wealthier he is."
—Tao Te Ching 81 (see also Luke 12:22)
