Fulfill Your Ministry!
By George Stroh
Novemeber 8, 2010
"...Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it." (Colossians 4:17)
It is not just Pastors, Elders and Deacons that have a Christian ministry. Every Christian has received both a special ministry and special enablements of the Holy Spirit needed to fulfill that ministry. These enablements are called "gifts"of the Spirit or "manifestations" of the Spirit; "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit, And there are varieties of ministries, and the the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).
God holds each of us responsible to recognize the ministry opportunities and the Gifts of the Spirit. We are then to fulfill the ministry we have received. Some are gifted as teachers of God's word or with other speaking gifts such as evangelism, encouragement or counseling. Others have a ministry of service such as helping or "hands-on" ministries. Others have the special enablement of the Spirit to give generously to support the ministry of the Church and meet the material needs of other Christians. There are many ministries and many varieties of these ministries. God has blessed the Church by placing individual believers and their Spiritual gifts exactly where they are needed "for the common good".
It is God's design and purpose that when one member of the Church obediently and diligently exercises his or her Spiritual gift and fulfills their ministry, the whole body of Christ (the Church) is blessed. And when one fails to fulfill his or her ministry, we all suffer. Again, each one of us has a ministry and the super natural ability needed to fulfill that ministry to the glory of God.
Maybe you are a relatively new believer who doesn't know what your Spiritual gift or gifts are or the ministry that God has given you to fulfill. Here are a couple of questions that might help you to know how God wants to use you for the common good. Ask yourself:
1. What is my burden? What needs does the Church have that especially concern or bother me. For me, as an example, it is the importance of sound biblical doctrine and the systematic expository teaching and the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Word of God.
2. What are my opportunities for ministry? There are no accidents with God. He has placed you and me just where He wants us and He provides the ministry opportunities for us to fulfill.
If you still are unable to discover your Spiritual gift and/or your ministry... Pray about it! "But If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5). Then when He answers your prayer for wisdom, and He will, go back to these two questions; What is my burden and what are my opportunities for ministry? And then get busy fulfilling your ministry which will not only bless you and the Church, but most importantly, will bless and honor your Lord . Maranatha!
