Steak and Taters

We've been on this community kick lately. And I have to say that I love it! I pray that it is something that we grow in and that the Lord allows us the grace to sustain. I can see this being the beginning of something that will change the face of not only our personal lives, but eventually a city... I want to know and deeply love the people around me and serve them and their purposes to the best of my ability. I want an uncommon 'common unity'. A strange way to put it... but it makes since to me. The only thing I can see getting in the way a bit, is 'ministry'. Sounds crazy huh? But just stick with me...

Per the dictionary, the primary definition of the word 'ministry' is "the act of serving." So why would I think that ministry would get in the way of me serving my brothers and sisters in community when that's what ministry is? I think this because I believe we have mis-labeled some things. We have services... yet who are we really serving and if we are serving them.... what are we serving them? I'll take it a step further and ask, if people are receiving something from us... is the something we are serving them something that is good for them, something fresh, something that will sustain them, something that will help them grow? Or is it just something that is easy for us to throw together? Is it just what we like to eat, is it the kind of meal we cook the best so we make it all the time thinking that others really love it cause they liked it once, so we keep serving it?

This is the problem with my corn casserole. hahahaha

No seriously. My corn casserole is amazing. I'm not just tooting my own horn, it's awesome, ask anyone who's had it. BUT when I have children, if I serve them corn casserole every night... it would kill them. Tickling their tastebuds but leaving their bellies full of carbs. While it tastes amazing, it has little nutritional value and will put you to sleep in comfort before it will give you any sort of energy. I make it all the time for our big group stuff because it's quick, easy, I know it will do well.... but to serve it to them all the time, would kill them.

So I ask... why would we ever do the same thing serving God's people? Tickling their ears, but leaving their hearts empty and dry. Ocassionally stirring their sences is just fine.... BUT... Service and ministry should not be what's best for us... but what is for the people we serve. Giving them things to help them grow and teach them good eating habits. :)

This is what Jesus did. He is God... and man. He was so authentic and genuine... BUT he was also God and man. We know that God is without time, space, or matter... yet He became man. He became something outside of Himself in order that He would best serve those He so loves.

So the key to true ministry.... selfless love.

Many serve without love. Many minister without love. When did we start only 'ministering' to people and quit loving them?

People do not need the sermons and songs from your heart, they need the ones from God's heart that will change theirs. Authenticity is vital to any minister, and so is the genuine love of the Father's heart. Are you willing to speak softer? Are you willing to play louder? Are you ready to love with all your heart? Are you willing to have no greater love than this that you should lay down yourself, your life, for your friends?

On a personal note....

Please don't be offended by these questions... be challenged..... This is something I am asking myself. As I am not in a position that best suits my desires... it may be what is best for those I serve. While I may want to be making hidden corn casserole right now because it's comfortable to me..... For the sake of others, I will, from a stage, serve steak and taters. ;)