DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE MARKS OF MINISTRY

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – MARKS OF MINISTRY

"We then, as workers together with Him, also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain......We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed. But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God..."

(II Corinthians 6:1, 3-4a)

The edition of the Bible that I use headlines this chapter with the title: "Marks of the Ministry." That is not in the original text but is added to aid the reader as he or she reads the Scriptures. I think it is a good heading because the Apostle uses his own life as an example of a minister or servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.

First, he says that he purposed to not give offense in anything he did so that no one could point a finger of blame at him and be distracted from his message.

Next, he gives a list of things that he himself has incorporated into his life. Things like patience or, as the margin reading says, endurance. He needed this attribute because of all the things he endured as a minister of God – tribulations, needs, distresses, stripes, imprisonments, tumults, labors, and sleeplessness.

His life was marked by purity in his conduct and motives, knowledge or spiritual understanding and moral wisdom, longsuffering or steadfastness of faith, kindness (which from the Greek could be gentleness or moral excellence); by love – for Christ and for others; truth – that is, sticking with the truth of the Gospel and not being led into sidetracks; righteousness – that is doing what is right. He was faithful in all kinds of circumstances – in honor and dishonor, when good was spoken of him, and also evil; as an unknown without a large reputation and also as well known; as dying, and yet as alive; as chastened but not killed; as sorrowful and yet rejoicing; as poor, yet being rich and making others rich with the knowledge of the Gospel.

These are high standards for a minister or servant of Jesus to live up to. Yet, it should be the goal of everyone who serves Christ to live morally pure, being steadfast in faith, gentle, loving, living righteously, and sticking with God's truth. No matter whether he has success and is recognized or applauded by others or not, he is not really serving others but the Lord Jesus, and Jesus will reward faithfulness. May this be the model, not just for the preachers and elders, but for all who serve the Lord Jesus. Because we are all ministers.

Love, Dad