Three questions for us today: first, what is the “ministry you have received from God?”; secondly, what are you doing with your life now?; third, how will you fulfill your lifelong calling going into the future? I ask these questions because there are so many of us who get lost on our own life journeys and can’t seem to find sustained direction towards an end; and also because sometimes we get so wrapped up in other people’s journeys that we forget we have our own life to live. If you’re hotly pursuing your sweet spot in life, continue to pursue it until your very last breath as hard as you can and as faithfully as humanly possible. That is the will of God for your life and you shouldn’t question it. Give thanks to God for all the lumps, bumps, and bruises you receive on the way and anticipate the joy that comes from your experience. I am sure in your petitions and prayers of thanks to God, He will open a door for your continued growth and work in Him. Back to the rest of us now. And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.” (Colossians 4:17 ESV) I don’t know who Archippus is exactly, but one thing is certain– he was called for a specific ministry. When I say “ministry” I am not talking about church or pastorships or missionary endeavors. When I say “ministry” I am talking about “life purpose.” We all have something we must do in life where, once completed, we can die fulfilled and in peace. Therefore, what I see as the Apostle Paul’s encouragement to Archippus is intended for all of us who understand that life in God is supposed to be greater than the fulfillment of life itself. When Jesus saved us on the cross, we were imparted with “ministries” once hidden away with Christ– that is to say because God places a premium on raising you up to be saved, our duty in life is greater than what we imagined our lives to be before we chose Christ as our savior. God’s ministry for our lives entails that we see our lives for a purpose greater than our own. If the scope you have for your “life purpose” can be accomplished on your own accord, you are not stepping into your “ministry.” Tangibly speaking, I am encouraging you to set the bar higher and your goals bigger, and your risks steeper because the burden God has us to carry in life is that much greater and our reward is already guaranteed. So I ask that we reflect on the three questions I worked out in the beginning of this quiet time today and everyday of our lives. In asking ourselves these questions, my hope is that we step into our ministries in life and fulfill what God has given us specifically. If your calling in life is to be a teacher, teach like every word you say has eternal consequence. If your ministry in life is to be an administrator, administer like God is administering your own life. If it is to be a stay at home mom, then be the best PTA parent in the world because you may be the only mother to your kids’ friends. I can go on and on, but the bottom line is the same for every example i give– do it with God in mind. In working towards it and moving towards it, the peace of God will begin to fill you and the glory of Jesus’ work in His salvation for us will alter the fabric of our spheres of life. It’s time we start to fulfill what we received.
No responses yet