"DEFINING MINISTRY
'But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man like-minded, who will naturally care for your state,' Philippians 2:19,20
When God calls you to invest your life in ministry, that word suggests service, surrender, and satisfaction. Some people see ministry as a tool by which they may become prominent. They'll scheme, manipulate, and pull strings to see their programs accomplished. God loves you so much that, if you try it, He'll bring your schemes to their knees and, in the process, you'll crumble with it.
Some people will promote and package their ministry as superior and will pretend as though they're perfect and flawless. However, if you flaunt your perfection, God will be forced to reveal to you the real you, and you'll be humbled and weep over seeing yourself for what you really are.
Some will receive great rewards and get attention for even the smallest of efforts, while you wrestle with anonymity and obscurity. Others will accomplish great things for God receive applause and accolades. You may quietly serve and privately give, and in the process, other people will steal your reward and take all the credit.
Our Lord has called us to be a people unlike others (verse 20 - no man), motivated by a desire to surrender to His will and serve Him and others without the need for attention and acclaim.
There are several traits listed in Romans 12 that characterize the life of those who would help free people to a life of blessing and release:
(1) Don't compete; help others grow - Romans 12:9,10;
(2) Don't be slothful; be wholehearted - Romans 12:11;
(3) Don't be unstable; be full of faith - Romans 12:12;
(4) Don't be negative; be positive - Romans 12:13,14;
(5) Don't be selfish; be sensitive to others - Romans 12:15;
(6) Don't be unforgiving; be a peacemaker - Romans 12:17-18;
(7) Don't be defensive; be submissive - Romans 12:19-21.
Just a helper,
Ron Mehl"