The Joy of "Full-Time" Ministry

Up and down, left and right, then violently streaking back up, followed by a quick twist to the right. That's life in "full-time" ministry. Now the quotations around full-time are because I feel all of Christ's followers have been called into full-time ministry. The call to reach the world in Matthew 26 doesn't apply only to the disciples or those of us in "full-time" ministry. It applies to everyone that believes Christ is the Son of God, that has accepted Him as their replacement for our punishment of sin, and that now enjoys a restored relationship with God. "Full-time" ministry is often described by those who aren't in "full-time" ministry as a job specifically dealing with religious stuff all the time. That's my extremely loose definition.

As a "full-time" ministry worker, there are great struggles to deal with. Satan gets a little ticked off every time we try to do what God has asked us to do. Attacks at our weakest points occur quit frequently and with great force. Then as for money, people seem to forget that Jesus talks about money and investing in things of greater purpose and taking care of those in need (example - people in "full-time" ministry). Which means we "full-time" ministry people get to trust God a lot for providing for our needs. Guess it makes us more spiritual when other people are less spiritual...just kidding. Well, maybe not. And unlike most people, our jobs don't have well defined progress reports, meaning we get judged all the time for not really doing anything when in fact we are. It's kind of hard knowing how many people's lives you've actually made an impact on.

But you know what makes it all worthwhile? Knowing one day, I'll stand before God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit and see the faces of the Ones I've been serving during my time on Earth! Right now, it's like reporting to a boss in a foreign branch. We communicate some; He tells me what direction to head and what the next project looks like. But I've never had a face-to-face with Him. One day I will! And what a glorious day that will be to stand there and say "Lord, there's been times that were tough and times I failed you. But I gave it my best and did what you asked me too with the strength You gave me." How rewarding that will be! No money, no job title, no status will ever equal that! That my friends is the joy and excitement of doing what God has asked me to do! Does it look like everyone else's life? HA! NO! It's tough not fitting into the mold of everyone else's life. The boring old standard of trying to survive this life. It hurts when people laugh and make fun of how you aren't "progressing" through life like everyone else. But hear this...I DON'T CARE! God has called me to do something and I'm doing it. That is the most joyous thing that could ever happen in this life.

Let me challenge you, if you do care what other people say and are afraid to live the life God wants you to (whether in "full-time" ministry or in just listening to the small leadings He gives), you better look at the book you're reading and make sure it says HOLY BIBLE. Living a life for God and doing what He asks is exciting! Challenging, yes. Boring, no. I've been able to do things I love to do that I never would have thought about doing. God's not going to ask you to do something you hate! What type of testimony to His greatness and love would that be? Be a Christian and God will make you do what you hate. What? That's crazy. He lets you do what you enjoy! You get to use the talents He has given you for a greater purpose. Take a look at your life. Are you doing what God desires for you to enjoy life to the fullest and make an eternal impact? Maybe some of you are right where He wants you...in a cubicle. But are you making a difference by reaching out to those around you and supporting those who have been called into "full-time" ministry? Or do you just spend all your time in the break room, ignoring the greater call from your heavenly Boss? Take some time, spend it with God alone, and ask Him what He wants you to do in your life. And then do it.