You are in the ministry.
Church is not a spectator sport, where some come to observe what others do. No, ministry includes all of us.
Where do you serve?
“Well, there are plenty of people here that can take care of everything.” No.
“Well, that’s what the staff is for.” No.
“Well, no one has told me where to serve.” No.
“Okay, I love the Lord, and I love people. I know a way God has gifted me to serve them, so I’ll just do that.” Yes.
The house of Stephanas “addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints.” (1 Cor. 16:15). I guess if you’re an addict, that’s a good thing to be addicted to!
It wasn’t that they were obligated to serve. It’s that Paul came to that town knowing nobody, started telling people about Jesus, and they heard for the first time about the good news that their sin had a cure! They learned that Jesus paid the price for their sin on Calvary’s cross! They learned that they could be right with the Creator, and they were some of the first to be saved.
And they never got over it.
So they just tried to show everyone else the love that they received. Not by appointment. Not by obligation. But by love.
That’s a good kind of addict! I imagine they got withdrawals if they couldn’t serve someone. Someone said addictions start with a habit, turn into tolerance, and then lead to dependence.
Are you addicted to the ministry?
–Pastor Ryan