Walking With Jesus (Ministry)Sample

Your work is your ministry

Luke 12:37, Colossians 3:23-24

Martin Luther once said, “Even if I knew the world would be torn to pieces tomorrow, I would still plant my little apple tree and pay off my debt.” Francis of Assisi also had a similar attitude. He was pruning the plants in his garden when someone asked him what he would do if he knew he would die this afternoon. He replied, “I will keep pruning the garden until it is finished.”

Perhaps, their answer sounds strange to most people. If they knew when they were going to die, others might reply that they would probably pray all day long, praise endlessly, be in church all the time, and so on. If they knew when the apocalypse would come, maybe they would do as much good as possible until all their wealth ran out.

The daily routine was a sacred divine duty for Luther and Francis. They did not separate spiritual ministries from secular activities. They considered their daily activities as a ministry to the Lord. Their attention was not on what they were doing but for whom they did it. For them, things that seemed trivial such as taking care of plants, also had eternal value – and that’s the reason why they were still faithful to do that until death or the apocalypse. They saw themselves as servants of God so they did everything as if it was for God and not for humans.

We should have the same attitude. Our daily works, which could be as simple as sweeping the floor, mopping the floor, taking care of children, shopping, teaching, serving customers, working in the office, or doing other activities in the ministry are all important activities that we should do faithfully. These are our ministries to the Lord. Will we do God's works carelessly if we realize this? Of course, not!

Reflection:

1. What would you do if the end of the world was coming soon or you were going to die?

2. Do you consider anything you do as a ministry to the Lord? What will happen or what might happen with this assumption?

Practice: Do any work faithfully! Think of who you're doing it for!