What am I doing?

I recently read a book entitled, "Brothers We Are Not Professionals" by John Piper. I recommend this book to anyone that is actively involved in a position of ministry leadership. Many times, I've asked myself the question, "What am I doing?" I mean, honestly...what is this thing called "ministry" all about? I'm reminded of this question when people ask me what I do for a living. It's often times very humorous to see the response of others when I give my answer.

Piper writes with such eloquence, "Our first business is to pant after God in prayer. Our business is to weep over sins...our business is to strain forward to the holiness of Christ and the prize of the upward call of God ... to pummel our bodies and subdue them lest we be cast away ... to deny ourselves and to take up the blood spattered cross daily." This quote was taken from the book I mentioned above). I love this quote. It has helped me to draw my affections to what the Word instructs when it comes to answering the great question..."What am I doing?"

2 Corinthians 4 is arguably one of the finest chapters in the New Testament to explain the joy of ministry. Paul begins this chapter by writing, "Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart." (2 Cor. 4:1) I love this verse. What is "this ministry" that Paul is speaking of? You must read the rest of the chapter to see the ministry. One verse that jumps out at me is found in 4:7. In this verse, Paul writes, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." Think about this verse with me. We have this treasure (the light of our Savior shining in the darkness) in us! We are given the grace of shining the light of our Lord so others may see Him for His infinite worth (Matthew 5:16).

Paul really leads us to understand more of what ministry truly means. It's not just simply sitting in an office all day answering emails and pleasing every person that stops by. It's not just simply standing on a stage each week to speak or lead in some form or fashion. It's not just simply attending conferences and listening to others share how to do ministry better. It's not just simply setting up a twitter account so we can complain about the day to others that are superficially interested. It's not just demanding more and more for us while others in 3rd world countries are perishing without the Gospel. I can easily fall into the trap of what I just mentioned...as well as countless other flaws that my Father so graciously offers His patience over.

What am I doing? I hope and pray that I'm joyfully shining the Gospel Light of my Savior to the lost and dying. I hope and pray that I'm diligently lifting up prayers to my Father in hopes for His Spirit to revive His church, for His great glory. I hope and pray that I'm not wasting my hours in the office...but effectively engaging in opportunities that can fulfill the Great Commission daily.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave