Dually Devoted – a Devotional for Bivocational Pastors and Leaders.Sample

When we think about vision, we often associate it with goals, action steps, plans, or imagination. Vision typically drives activity to achieve a desired outcome. However, vision can also refer to perspective—the way we see things.

As Bivocational ministers, we can easily become so focused on our tasks that we lose sight of what truly matters. Limited time and resources often dominate our thoughts, causing us to forget the true focus of our efforts and investments: God and people.

Engaging in activity for its own sake is never wise. It will consume all our resources if we don’t manage it carefully. However, when we view everything we do through the lens of relationships, our efforts are well invested.

The Apostle Paul deeply valued his relationship with God, made possible through Jesus Christ. The overwhelming grace of God transformed his heart, which was evident in his attitude towards people. Paul didn’t measure his ministry by the amount of activity or tasks completed.

Instead, he celebrated the relationships he built—the crown of companionship. For Paul, the true success of his ministry was reflected in the lives he touched and the bonds he formed, demonstrating that relationships are at the heart of meaningful ministry.

Paul saw relationships with people as his reward, both now and into eternity. While some say you can’t take anything with you to heaven, Paul believed you can take someone with you. Our relational outreaches become opportunities for eternal friendships.