Life is Ministry
“So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ: be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20 NRSV
Series: Everyday Apprentice
Devotional: 3 of 9
For those who are in Christ, life is ministry, and ministry is life. As an apprentice of King Jesus, life in Him flows from an accurate, brilliant, whole picture of who God is that is continuously being renewed by the Holy Spirit. God is love. God is close. God is sovereign and in control of ALL things. Because of who God is, we can learn to trust Him with the entirety of our lives.
As ambassadors for Christ, we are His messengers living in the world while representing the Kingdom of Heaven. In Him, we have been given the authority and responsibility to spread the Gospel message wherever we go. In both word and deed, our lives are becoming a reflection of His teachings and character. (See 2 Corinthians 5:20 NRSV)
In practice, this may look like speaking His message of hope, not our own opinions, to the people we naturally come in contact with as we move throughout our daily lives. We need not be anxious about how we are to speak or what we will say, for the Spirit will speak on our behalf (See Matthew 10:19-20 NRSV). In this most holy of moments, there is no need for flowery speech or convincing arguments. Instead, our words are to be covered with grace and humility following the example of Jesus, who "when he saw the crowds, had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." (See Matthew 9:36 NIV)
Words matter. However, it is often our deeds, done in response to Christ's love, that communicate the Gospel in its purest form. Jesus, our Lord and Teacher, demonstrates for us humility and servanthood by washing His disciples' feet. His actions teach us that no task is beneath us when serving others. Unity within the Church flourishes when you and I, as His apprentices, choose to both give and receive ministry. Christ is calling each of His followers to a lifestyle of tangible, self-forgetting service that displays His love to other believers and to the watching world. (See John 13:13-15 NRSV)
As you go, consider this prayer of surrender to the Lord. "Jesus, I surrender my agenda and preferences to you. I acknowledge my cravings for earthly comfort and pleasure. May Your Kingdom come and Your will be done in my life."
OnThe3rdDay Devotionals
Devotionals that illustrate Biblical principles in a simple and short format that can be applied to your everyday life.
RECOMMENDED READING
This is an affiliate link. Any purchase you might make helps support the ministry of OnThe3rdDay at no cost to you.
