To Whom Has God Called You to Minister?
I am a people watcher. Whether I am walking down the street, sitting in a waiting room, or standing in line at the grocery story, I am observing those around me. It intrigues me what makes people tick, how they choose to handle various situations, and the types of conversations they have. I ponder what their lives are like and where their journey is taking them. I laugh at silly antics and empathize with those in pain. I puzzle over them and wonder in general what their life is like.
Not everyone I observe appeals to me. Some obnoxious, abrasive people do turn me off. It hurts to hear people choose inappropriate or unkind language. It hurts me to see some make very poor choices. Sadly, some people just rub me the wrong way it seems.
At times like these I need to remind myself that God loves each person equally. No person with whom I come into contact is outside God’s reach and love. He designed each person I meet and Jesus is the Saviour of each one, as He is mine.
That is a game changer for how I approach my day. Rather than looking inward at how I am going to deal with the time God gives me, it gets me thinking – Lord, who will you put in my path today that needs to see Your light in me?
It changes my focus of my daily Christian walk when I consider how I might minister to others in my day. It’s definitely much easier to focus on myself and my own family concerns. How often my prayers and petitions relate to just me and my close family. But God wants more for us. In Matthew we are told,
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither to people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. “(Matthew 5:14-16 NIV)
We have a vast mission field that God gives us each and every day. While a large part of that is in our own sphere of influence, our Lord often asks us to have a broader impact to society around us. This is a command given to us, not a subtle request. If Jesus is Lord and center of our lives, then proclaiming the Gospel in word and actions should be part of who we are. Our main way of doing that is how we live our lives and how we react and minister to those around us.
Think of Jesus Himself. Was He forever circulating among the wealthy and influential people of His day? Absolutely not. You will find Him there with the parents of ill children and with people facing life changing illnesses or conditions. Jesus reaches out to the less desirable of His day – welcoming people like tax collectors and thieves. Just of the touch of His hand brings healing and peace to many. Jesus looks at all of the same – with a heart of love, offering His gift of salvation.
Sometimes we may not be able to directly help people we see in need or distress. We may not be able to change people’s countenance or the situation of the downtrodden. We can, however, treat them as God’s special creations and offer them knowledge of the hope that only comes through Christ. If we can’t speak directly to them, we can be Christ’s messenger with our actions, attitudes, and facial expressions. Who knows what even a smile will do?
Our lives of faith are not complete if we don’t share the joy, peace, and hope in Christ we have with others. How can we be our Lord’s light to those around us today?
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