Over recent weeks we’ve been looking at the ‘means of grace’; the centuries old phrase that refers to how God continues to bless his people. While we’ve covered the big three (church, Bible and prayer), another prime example is serving in ministry.
Like church, prayer and Bible reading, giving of our time in ministry is all too often seen by Christians as a BURDEN we are commanded to carry out. Many Christians will be secretly glad they are not burdened too heavily in ministry; while others will feel guilty about not serving the Lord enough. Once again, this perspective is deeply flawed.
Psychologists now tell us that when humans perform a completely selfless act (i.e. an act that you EXPECT nothing in return for), it makes us feel good inside. Wellbeing studies now recommend selfless acts to feel good, and psychologists prescribe volunteer work for patients who are too focussed on themselves.
Isn’t it wonderful when society finally catches up with the Bible? Jesus said ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive’ (Acts 20:25). While this phrase usually refers to monetary giving; it is certainly not limited to it. The Bible is very clear that giving of our time and our energy is also a source of enormous blessing for humans. The reason for this is that’s the way God has designed humans; to feel good when we give!
So alongside church, Bible reading and prayer, Christians who are ignoring Christian service are actually doing themselves an enormous injustice. God has poured out his blessing upon us by allowing us the huge privilege of serving him and his church. Yet too many Christians pour that blessing straight down the toilet. May 2017 be a year of enormous blessing for you, as you give yourself in ministry.
Brendan McLaughlin
