"Christ gave those
gifts to prepare God's holy people for the work of serving."
(Ephesians 4:12, NCV)
Ministry has become a catchword to signify a platform by which we dispense wisdom and knowledge to those less learned than ourselves. It allows us a chance to be visible, to be up front, share and teach without thought or opportunity of receiving in return. It's not, "We're all equals and each of us has something to give to each other," but rather a hierarchy based teaching format. There is no function of caring, sharing intimacy because intimacy requires vulnerability, something most of us are unwilling to allow happen, especially when we are supposed to be the "expert". To be vulnerable means that for at least a moment in time, we open ourselves up to another individual as complete equals, both giving and receiving.
In Christian culture, "having a ministry" means something only one person has or does, with others always on the receiving end. There is no mutual submission or expectation of learning from each other.
Christ gives gifts to each believer for the mutual blessing of all. How can we receive that blessing if our palms are always face down, trying to impart our wisdom, instead of listening with our hearts, palms upward, open, empty, and ready to receive?
A true servant knows himself or herself to be less than those they serve. They work quietly and without expectation of accolades. They serve because they love Jesus. They expect nothing in return and seek only God's approval.
“But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head—Christ. From Him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building up itself in love by the proper working of each individual part.” (Ephesians 4:15-16, HCSB)
Copyright 2014 Kathy Sanders
(Ephesians 4:12, NCV)
Ministry has become a catchword to signify a platform by which we dispense wisdom and knowledge to those less learned than ourselves. It allows us a chance to be visible, to be up front, share and teach without thought or opportunity of receiving in return. It's not, "We're all equals and each of us has something to give to each other," but rather a hierarchy based teaching format. There is no function of caring, sharing intimacy because intimacy requires vulnerability, something most of us are unwilling to allow happen, especially when we are supposed to be the "expert". To be vulnerable means that for at least a moment in time, we open ourselves up to another individual as complete equals, both giving and receiving.
In Christian culture, "having a ministry" means something only one person has or does, with others always on the receiving end. There is no mutual submission or expectation of learning from each other.
Christ gives gifts to each believer for the mutual blessing of all. How can we receive that blessing if our palms are always face down, trying to impart our wisdom, instead of listening with our hearts, palms upward, open, empty, and ready to receive?
A true servant knows himself or herself to be less than those they serve. They work quietly and without expectation of accolades. They serve because they love Jesus. They expect nothing in return and seek only God's approval.
“But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head—Christ. From Him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building up itself in love by the proper working of each individual part.” (Ephesians 4:15-16, HCSB)
Copyright 2014 Kathy Sanders
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