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 Ministry, the Great Privilege
by Mike Leon, 4/1/04
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Excerpts from "The Heart of the Artist" compiled by Mike Leon
Those of us who use our gifts in the church need to remember that ministry is a privilege. God is in the business of bringing lost people to salvation. He could have sent angels to do the job, but instead He's entrusted us to spread the Word and "make disciples of all nations" (Matt. 28:19) with the help of His Holy Spirit.
Paul often referred to ministry as a privilege and a high calling. He didn't take it for granted. He saw being "useful to the Master" as being the most important thing you can do with your life (2 Tim. 2:21;4:11). To Paul, being in ministry was a great honor and privilege.
Serving God is a way to honor Him. It's our sacrifice of praise. What a testimony it is for a talented musician, actor, writer, dancer, or artist to use his or her gifts in serving the Lord. What a wonderful example it is to our kids when they see mom and/or dad serving the Lord in some form of ministry. That parent is modeling what it means to serve God with the talents He gives us-- God working through us. That's the joy and the great reward of the Christian life. That's the great privilege of ministry. Proverbs 3:9 says to "honor the Lord with your wealth." Some of you have been given a wealth of talent. "From everyone who has been given much, much will be required." (Luke 12:48). Honor the Lord by serving Him in some form of ministry.
Many of us have a strong desire to do something significant with our lives and our talent. We were created to do good works to the glory of God (Eph.2:10). In Psalm 90:17 Moses asks God to confirm the work of his hands. A more literal translation would be "give permanence." In other words, "Lord, give permanence to the work of my hands." Help me to do something meaningful and significant with my life. Help me to do something with my life that endures. We all long for significance. The only thing that can fulfill this longing is to serve God.
It's been written, we are merely "jars of clay" (2 Cor.4:7), yet we carry around with us a treasure: the good news of the gospel, God's plan of salvation, the hope of the world. It's an absolute privilege to be used of God. He has not only rescued us from eternal damnation, He's blessed us and continues to bless us abundantly beyond what we deserve. David said, "How can I repay the Lord for all His goodness to me?" (Ps.116:12) Isaiah had a life-changing encounter with God. (Isa.6:8) and he emerged from that saying, "Lord, I'm available. I'll do whatever you want. Here I am, send me!"
Is that the cry of your heart today? Then why not live a life in complete availability and service to Him? Why not consider using your gifts and talents right here at Edge Community? Ask Mike about the Arts & Drama Community Group. There are current and upcoming opportunities for you to get plugged into. If you are gifted in the arts, there is no better time than now to follow that high calling!
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