“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.” Matthew 10:42 (NIV)
Everyone fancy themselves as a born preacher and I am no exception. My recent experiences have taught me that while it is important to verbally communicate the word either from the pulpit, interpersonally or using other means, it is not in every case that this will be necessary or even appropriate. I confess that I am gung-ho about seeing the manifestation of the power of God in healings and miracles as the after effect of preaching the word, but I have also come to realise that people have needs differing from sicknesses that still need to be met if we are to win their hearts. More often than not, our works of righteousness becomes the key that open people’s hearts to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The only difficulty is that it might require us to vacate our comfort zone or do things that we would ordinarily not do. It may even mean doing things we personally detest so that the name of the Lord will be praised.
The key to serving God through practical means normally involves using skills, which we would not ordinarily put to good use and so remain latent, but which can benefit others. For example, I have realised that just being there and available for people who are lonely can go a long way in affirming their humanity. Mowing the lawns of frail and elderly people who are no longer able to perform this essential task is ministry in its pure form. Offering our time by helping to paint the houses of those who cannot afford to pay professional fees can go a long way in communicating the love of God to people in such need. Offering to baby-sit for a single parent so that he/she can go out to work can bring relief and help build their self-esteem. Buying extra shopping and donating them to those who might benefit from our largesse will in most cases leave them uttering words of thanksgiving to a God, even if we get nothing back in return and this is the key, for we must trust God to reward our righteous works.
So, you want to do ministry! Don’t look at filling a pulpit. Where you are concerned, the need might not be there. Rather, look around you and see what needs require meeting. Then do your best to meet them. Also, do whatever you can with whatever you can with little or no expectation of reward from man and the God who sees what is done secretly will reward you openly. Understand that people are important to God and make serving God and serving people your goal and you can never go wrong.
The bible espouses the principle that he that is faithful in little will also be faithful in much. If you desire more responsibility, start by doing the small more mundane, but essential things and wait for God to promote you at His appointed time. Don’t sell yourself short by seeking after position. Instead, pursue significance as you seek to serve God and God will use and reward you in ways and means that are beyond your imagination. How do you get there? By making whatever is important to God also important to you and align your priorities with God’s. As you do this, you will not just be following mere religion, but walking with God.
Prayer:
Lord, show me what needs you have gifted me to meet and provide opportunities for me to use those gifts. Give me the humility to serve you and the cause of humanity as I engage in the ministry of the cup of cold water to the glory of your name. Amen.