DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- MOTIVATION FOR MINISTRY

DAD'S RAMBLINGS –  MOTIVATION FOR MINISTRY

"Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers, who have borne witness of your love before the church." (III John 5-6a)

We all like to receive commendation for work well-done.  It is human nature for us to enjoy applause.

John was giving kudos to Gaius for the work which he had done in ministering to the church.  John was not the only one who noticed his ministry to his brothers in the faith.  Gaius had a reputation among the brethren of a spirit of love.

Gaius was not a one-gifted man.  He had a lot of different aspects to his ministry.  John's praise was for whatever he did.  Gaius apparently was a person who when he saw an opportunity to minister, just did it.  

There are two adjectives which describe his ministry – faithfulness and love.  He was faithful and dependable.  He was not a splash in the frying pan.  He could be counted on to assist wherever he could as a lifestyle.

He did what he did because he loved.  He was not motivated by personal gain or recognition, but by love for people.  Whether he was recognized or not was not an issue with him.  Whatever he did was out of love for people in need.

Gaius is a model for me.  I want to be a faithful servant, motivated by love.  Whether I receive praise or not, I want to accept whatever opportunities God gives me to minister to others, and let Jesus give the praise and reward, whether other people notice or not.  As the song says, "If I can help somebody along the way, then my living shall not be in vain."

Love, Dad