Salt and light, stewards and servants—these are among the descriptors used to define the people of God. Like so much about faith, they feel like square pegs that refuse to be shoved into the round holes of the world’s expectations.
And yet these are more than pretty platitudes. Friends, this is who we are. This is how God’s Word calls us to live. Having our measure of identity and success shifted so radically by the gospel can feel disorienting. There’s a temptation to use all the wrong litmus tests to gauge if we’re getting it right. In our homes and our churches, our culture and our community, how can we know if we’re building a ministry without fault? If success cannot be measured in accolades and “Way to go!”, what rewards are given to faithful servants? These questions make me grateful that Paul provided us with a new set of gold stars to aspire to from today’s reading: great endurance, purity, truthful speech, and the power of God (2Corinthians 6:4,6–7).
Paul identified these as hallmarks of a ministry no one could fault (v.3). He surely knew a thing or two about measuring ministry successes all wrong. His former colleagues in the religious elite considered his ministry a heresy. His fellow Christ-followers often questioned his methodology. Even his co-laborers questioned his decision-making on occasion. Yet we find in Paul a minister unmoved. Though still sinful, Paul was steadfast. Paul knew why he ministered (to spread the gospel), and he knew how to measure his success. This, friends, is liberation.
We, too, are free to stop measuring our success as Christian parents by how our children behave in any given moment. We are free to stop considering the wishes and whims of culture as an indicator of the Church’s effectiveness. We are empowered to use our gifts to share the gospel and build up the body of Christ without fretting if no one seems to notice. We are set free from the doubt that inevitably comes when we worry God has our ministry under a microscope.
Since none of this can be measured by human standards, we are free to throw out the measuring stick altogether. When we look to God alone to reward our faithful service, we find that He is the true reward. “For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13).
The invitation Christ extended from the cross must bleed over into our concept of successful ministry. Christ does all the heavy-lifting, and thus He deserves every iota of glory. Our job is so simple in return. We keep serving, never tiring of doing good. We keep clinging to God’s Word, refusing to let other voices pollute the truth we know. We keep telling the truth, again and again and again. We keep bragging on our weaknesses, confident in how they can bend the spotlight away from us and toward the indisputable power of God.
Successful ministry rarely looks like we think it should. Paul reminds us that this, too, is grace.
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80 thoughts on "God’s Ministers"
Love this ❤️
I’m glad and grateful for the grace and presence of God. His nearness is more precious than life itself. Bringing me light, wisdom, peace, joy, true love, strength, and so much more. Corinthian is definitely a chapter that sets the standards for Christian living, faith, and fellowship
I pray that I would naive my life my God’s standards and not the worlds.
Thank you Erin Davis for your reflections and thoughts this morning. I’m several days behind in my reading yet this was what I absolutely needed to hear right now. Thank you Father for Erin and all the many SHE’s that lead me so faithfully in my spiritual walk. Amen and amen!
Hello,
When I try to click on the Bible verses they will not go to the link. Do I need to download something to make them work? Thanks, in advance, for any help.
Amy try refreshing your page ehen this happens
Definitely on the struggle-bus in the area of discouragement and ministry right now. But it feels more like a struggle-unicycle as there is a lonely component to it, even though logically I’m well aware i’m not alone in how I feel. I need to meditate on these sections about where I need to be commending myself – in the struggle of the doing of ministry. I have a hard semester in that a couple of my classes require assignments that my brain simply does not process/plan/understand well. It isn’t the lack of info/direction, it is literally my disrupted brain in that area. So, not only do I feel i’m wasting literal hours just trying to piece together what is being asked of me, I am angered doing an assignment that –for me– is not helpful in gaining any functional understanding of the content. While it may be enlightening to some students/people, it is for me just busy work that takes time I don’t feel I have. Like I said, “angered” is the only response I seem to have. And it is fueled by frustration and feeling like I am “wasting time’ — another huge aggravator for me. As of this past Monday, I no longer have the partial childcare I had lined up this summer to give me a few hours for 3 days/week to not have to plan/care for my 3 kids home for summer break. So on top of the mountain of work in front of me (that I don’t understand in the first place) I am scrambling to find someone to help give me the space in which to do it. Woke up today just feeling like I’m tangled up underwater and it’s now raining.
In response to today’s reading, I want to take time to meditate on these scriptures and lay what I have out and ask God to please show up in my weakness. I honestly have nothing else…
Oh, Heidi, how frustrating! Is there a local pastor you could talk with for some guidance in that classwork? Prayers for patience, clarity of mind, and endurance! ❤
Unfortunately no… It more has to do with the way some of these profs want info pulled/organized/returned that is methodical in a way that is unrelatable for my pattern of thinking. So trying to make heads or tails of it comes up an entirely different animal. Ryan seems to understand this way of thought better so hoping tonight he can help lay it out in a way that makes sense to me. We will see!
Praying, HEIDI ❤️ for the Lord’s and Ryan’s help in getting clarity & for the heads & tails to be sorted out, and for the right person to help with the children asap.
So sorry Heidi, you can almost feel your frustration in the reading. Prayers for clarity and for someone to help with the way you process. I hope someone offers to help with the kids. Church, neighborhood teen? Hugs.
Hello Shes
“For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13).”
This verse … I hope … keeps me on track & on task when serving & organizing at my church. First God plants the desire in me to do good works. Then He instills in me whatever power I possess. Moved by His Grace. Powered by His Love. Guided by the Spirit. Every act in service to Him…
The Ideal. But I can grow boastful. I can show arrogance. I can reach for “gold stars”. Lord, please help me be truly selfless. Boasting in your strength. Not parading MY ego or MY effort. Keep me humble. Keep me mindful. Keep me focused rightly. “Holding firm to the Word of Life”. “Though sinful, still steadfast”.
So help me God.
This was a goooood reading this morning (all of them are actually). It was a nice reminder of how we need to be acting, because others are always watching. But I love how Erin reminded us that we have freedom from trying to act good enough. As a worship leader with ministry in the more literal sense of the term, it was a good reminder that I can’t measure the true success of the ministry. Only God can.
Agreed, Audrey. The devotional writers this week are hitting the high notes! God is moving in this space!
“God’s Ministers” SOOO Good!! Hallelujah, I am not doing these on my own! As long as I stay connected to the VINE..I may get pruned once in awhile (ouch)…but God is working all things for the good!!! I want to be SHINING like the stars!! What a beautiful picture to remember! I have a sign that says “Keep your sunny side up”!
And as I right this Mercyme is singing away…”Say I Won’t”…” “I can do all things…for Christ who gives me strength…” YES!! Amen!
I am off to jail this afternoon..praying we give off the Light for Him and they feel loved and embraced in warmth by that light!!
Corinthians has been so good I’m thinking maybe it could be used for my small group refreshing in the Fall! For those who have the book…How many weeks is it? And would it make a good 10 week group? Not sure how that would work…but we usually do studies with relation to growing with scripture in it..and would really love to get the ladies into reading the whole book for once.
It’s 6 weeks and we’re on week 5.
I’ve heard great things from the study of 1 Cor. that Jennie Allen did a while back – I actually have it and have not gone through it yet! It is 12 weeks and has video content to help with weekly discussion/teaching, I think the video portion is from RightNow media. You can google it honestly.
Hope ya’ll have another amazing week ministering to the women behind bars — just showing up for them as you do is love in action. It is a beautiful example of being Jesus to those who need him…♥️
When we look to God alone, to reward our faithful service, we find that He is the true reward! Amen amen amen to that!!
There was a show in the 80s called “Square Pegs”. Yes, let us be square ones, sweet sisters! We won’t “fit” in our earthly world often, but we will when we are in heaven with Him. ❤️
Oh yeah..I loved that show!Yes, we will always be square pegs in this world! They makes me want to find the show and watch!
Still sinful, but steadfast.
Come out from among them and be seperate.
Look to God alone to reward our faithful service.
Keep serving. Never tire of doing good. Cling to God’s word.
From CeeGee – Find a need and fill it.
Find a hurt and heal it.
Find a problem and solve it.
THAT says it all, y’all!
GATHER » GROW » GIVE » GO
…In a manner worthy of the lord, fully pleasing to him. – Colossians 1:10
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That is our church motto. It certainly covers what we are studying this week. Our church is very mission minded with many opportunities for all – no matter your physical ability. If you aren’t able to travel and do repair work, etc., you can make sandwiches or sort clothing for the homeless.
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Robert H. Schuller Quote:
Anybody who succeeds is helping people. The secret to success is
find a need and fill it;
find a hurt and heal it;
find a problem and solve it.
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Thanks, Sharon and SEARCHING for giving me the idea for breaking up the text. I have double spaced, etc., but the formatting never showed up here in comments. I noticed Kelly was successful without lines or dots. Maybe it’s my Kindle.
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Have a blessed day, sisters knowing you are covered in prayer! ❤
I love that Schiller quote! I’ve always said “Where there is a need, there is a purpose.”, but your quote is even better!
❤ I like your quote, too! Thanks for sharing that!
I meant Schuller.
excellent quote- thanks for sharing :)
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I put a period between my paragraphs :-)
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:8 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/mic.6.8.NIV
For me, if I would focus more on doing this than grumbling and complaining when things
In these we are to commend ourselves…Purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit, in sincere truth, and in the power of God… (2 Corinthians 6:6-7
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I say “yes and Amen!” to Paul’s words, but how much of it do I actually live out?? Am I understanding, kind, patient? Do I do all that I do in the Holy Spirit, according to His leading – in love and truthfulness??…When I ask these of myself, I’m afraid I fall short and I have lots of growing to do, but praise God – He’s not finished with me yet!
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This is my goal, it is my aim…”to purify myself from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” (1 Corinthians 7:1) …It is my prayer.
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Thank you all for your prayers – Jeff got his report from the biopsy yesterday. It was a “good, bad report”. Yes it’s cancerous but it is not aggressive, it is contained and it is easily killed by radiation. Once done, it’s taken care of for good! He see’s the radiologist on August 14 to set up the radiation treatments.
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Continuing to pray for your requests as I read them in record them in my prayer journal.
Have a wonderfully blessed Wednesday, and remember – whatever befalls us, it’s all for God’s glory!
Prayer of thanks that treatment means healing.
Thank you for sharing the report, Sharon. Continuing in prayer for Jeff ❤️
Sharon, thank you for sharing about Jeff’s report. Praise God it is manageable! I will be praying for you both!
I can identify with your comment and add my amen to your prayers! I was thinking ad I read Philippians that most of the time, I don’t feel like successful in the role of a star shining through. Love you! ❤
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I love the phrase SHINE like the stars!! I’ve always “tried” to shine, even through awkard years of High School…I “want” to brighten and show positivity! But God—Now my focus is to SHINE HIS LIGHT and GOODNESS!!
Praying for Jeff…You just never know when the report will come…but so glad it is treatable 100 percent..that is a blessing! Thank you Jesus!!!
My husband had radiation as well. I pray that Jeff goes through this with great results.
Thanks for the report… continued prayers for you both.
Sharon, what great news! I know you’ll keep us posted on the process… we are celebrating with you! :) :)
Sharon, holding Jeff and yourself close as I pray.. One in thanks and two for God’s continued works in Jeff’s journey and yours. Much love..❤
Good morning shes! I go back to work today (I am a teacher) and prayed this morning to dedicate the next 190(ish) days to the Lord. The reading today was great as we can feel worn, but can know that our salvation has come.
Praying for you, staff, and students as the new school year begins!
Same here, Melissa. I’ll be praying the same alongside you. Hope the back to school prep goes well!
Our schools start back next week. Always praying for teachers, staff, admin, and students! May God bless you and your class this year! Thank you forall you do and go through for those kids! That goes for ALL teachers in this community! ❤
Amen, Yes!!
Same (teacher). I, also, will dedicate this school year to Him. It’s hard to remember to do that some moments, but with His help…
Feels like school just got out a few weeks ago! Time flies…thanking you for your sometime thankless job dear Adrienne!! Lots of love to you both, and all the wonderful teachers for God!!! I know He will bless your efforts!!
Praying for the start of your new school year Melissa. I am also a teacher, and so I pray for all teachers and school staff to have great endurance and shine like stars in our classrooms and on campus’ all around our world this year. GOD is always at work in us to make us willing and able to obey his own purposes.
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I’m so thankful the measuring, the heavy lifting, all of it is done by God and we just remain faithful to Him, His Word and what we have been called to do.
It’s not by might nor by power but by His Spirit. The battle and the victory belong to the Lord!
Amen!❤️
JENNY B— I hope your travels are going well and safely.
My MIL is having emergency amputation surgery this morning. Please join me in prayer for peace and recovery. Her name is Sammie.
Praying for peace for you all and that your MIL is safe and recovers (as much as possible) swiftly.
Lacey, covering your MIL with prayers for a successful surgery, a safe recovery, and comfort as she and your family go through this journey.
Praying!
Praying for Sammie and your family!
Praying
Praying for Sammie that the surgery goes well, that she recovers quickly, and for God’s incredible peace to surround her as she recovers
Praying for her! Ty for letting us know!!
Praying
for healing and peace as she moves forward
Praying, Lacey.
Praying in agreement with our sisters!
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Praying peace for Sammie as she faces this very unexpected trial. May God’s presence comfort her and carry her through.
You got it! ❤️
Praying for Sammie ❤️
Praying for Sammie’s recovery and for your family.
Praying!
Praying, dear Lacey, for peace and for recovery for Sammie. Praying the process goes smoothly and that there are no complications.. ❤
Grace. Thank you father God for Your Son, my Savior, Jesus Christ! Amen
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We are His children! Lord, please guide me to live in this world by being thankful I am Your child, walking with You, praising You, sharing Your love and greatness, no.matter.what.
I feel vulnerable in the hard times, in the painful times of grief, of loneliness, of being faced with a quandary where every visible choice seems wrong, or knowing those around me will be against any decision I make. These are the times I need God the most, and need to lean on His strength to resist temptations to consider any world view as a solution.
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Reminded of Mandisa’s At All Times, especially the 2nd verse:
Praise Him in the valley (Praise Him in the valley)
Praise Him on the mountain (Praise Him on the mountain)
Praise Him in the heavens (Praise Him in the heavens)
The victory is ours (The victory is ours)
Come and worship while you’re weeping (Worship while You’re weeping)
Yeah, worship while you’re waiting (Worship while You’re waiting)
Oh, worship while you’re winning (Worship while You’re winning)
‘Cause the victory is ours (The victory is ours)
Shout out to Jesus (Shout out to Jesus)
Oh, shout out to Jesus (Shout it out)
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TRACI GENDRON – yesterday’s comment, beautiful ❤️
SHARON JERSEY GIRL – praying for guidance with biopsy results.
TRICIA C – praying for campers and staff
MICHELLE P – thank you for update, continuing to pray
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Amen to yesterday’s comments – so good!
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Wow, I am right there with you, sister! ❤ I am guilty of letting my light be overpowered by things beyond my control. Sheesh, that is a hard realization/confession and I am reminded that those times are screaming for me to dig in the Word! ❤ Great song, too! Love you!
“Successful ministry rarely looks like we think it should. Paul reminds us that this, too, is grace.”
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Well said ERIN DAVIS. It is a grace because if it looked like we planned, we would be tempted to take the glory.
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MARGARET W – praying for a peace-filled day for you.
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SHARON JERSEY GIRL – praying your husband’s test results were ok
“It is a grace because if it looked like we planned, we would be tempted to take the glory”
Well said by you, too, Kelly!
When we look to God alone to reward our faithful service, we find that He is the true reward..
Beautifully said, ERIN DAVIS, thank you.❤️
Keeping these words in my heart as I go off to work much earlier than normal today.
Praying Gods best over each of you, covered in love from across the pond. ❤️
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