All believers are called to the ministry. Jesus set this precedent for all who seek to follow after him. He called the disciples to follow him and leave what they were doing, and for most of them, that meant choosing him over their work. They were asked to leave their jobs and follow. In case you need a reminder, the disciples were not the intellectual elite with years of theological training; they were simple tradesmen called out of spiritual death to find new life in Christ. Once alive, they were expected to bring new life in others through the power of Christ. He expects the same of all who take on his name; “all” includes you.
Now, this is not meant to be a spiritual pep-talk. The point of identifying the disciples as average individuals is meant to point out two main points. Saying yes to following Christ is saying yes to ministry, whether you realize it or not. Secondly, God provides your area of ministry through the life that you lead as you follow Him.
Again, this is not an inspirational message about living the Gospel, preaching with your actions, being the Christ you believe in, or any other culturally pedantic euphemism for being an apathetic Christian. Look around you. The world is full of people who desperately need to hear the good news that has been shared with you, and you expect them to figure it out by watching you act like a nice person. That is not what Christ calls you to do. He calls his people to magnify his name by preaching the good news of Christ crucified.
I once heard a very outspoken atheist on a radio show talking about Christians sharing their faith. He told a story about a man who gave him a Bible with important passages highlighted. His response, surprisingly, was to thank the man for his concern. To the radio audience, he made this statement: “He approached me with respect, humility and sincere concern, which got me thinking about all these other Christians who pass me by and never say a word. How much do they have to hate me to NOT tell me how to avoid hell!” That is a sobering point of view and one that must be taken seriously by all believers.
What are you saying with your silence?
February 12, 2010
Ministry, Missions