Good Questions, Lousy Answers
You don't always have to answer the question
Everybody at the table answered this question affirmatively, except for one person who stumbled over his answer.
“What has brought you the greatest joy in ministry over the last year?”
It’s a good question. For some people, it’s even a great one.
I was the one who stumbled.
Maybe it’s because I’m careful not to fit my life into someone else’s mold, or because I don’t see what I do as ministry.
Still, I couldn’t find any joy in answering that question. I don’t view life through a ministry lens as many of those around me do.
There’s nothing wrong with that.
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.”
I find joy in serving. Does it have to be called ministry? Would I be more blessed if it were? Would my joy be any greater?
Serving brings me joy. Being forced to serve in a way that doesn’t fit me demotivates me. (Hey, I’m being honest.)
Writing for you is less joyful when I can’t keep up with my monthly goal or when my ideas don’t feel fresh. I know I should manage my own expectations instead of trying to meet what I think others expect from me.
You can’t give to others if you aren’t being filled yourself. You can’t keep serving without taking time to be restored.
“And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
It’s arrogant for me to think that just because I don’t believe what I do to be a ministry, other people don’t see it differently.
Every Christ-follower has a ministry, even if they don’t realize it. My ministry comes from my creativity. I serve by creating, working, and writing.
So, what brings me joy in serving?
I write and create because I want you to find more joy in your relationship with God through your work, and to point you to Christ through what I do.
When people like you read what I write, you often tell me, “You ministered to me.”
When you respond and share how my work has impacted you, that brings me joy.
We often search for the joy God gives, but maybe we should accept the joy He gives us when what we offer brings joy to others.
What has brought you the most joy in serving or in ministry this past year?
It’s a great question. I hope you can answer it.
Verses from James 12: 1-2, NLT.