Side by side ministry is the best!
Scripture:
Romans 1:11-12
11 For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established;12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.
Observation:
Paul has so much to pour into the believers. He is called by Jesus Christ to be His special messenger to the Gentile believers, yet Paul sees the important role the believers play in his own spiritual development. Paul is not simply bringing the Word of God from a distant, high position. He is sharing life with his disciples. This was true with Jesus as well. Paul puts himself on equal ground (if not on lower ground at times) with those whom he is ministering, never coming in as a mystic or an oracle delivering a message without delivering his own life as well and while valuing what he is receiving from the people.
Application:
I must really evaluate how I think about ministry. Am I simply doing a job? Ministry without real, vulnerable relationships is not ministry at all. Ministry starts with love and care for those around me. I must walk in humility and grace. It is right to stand on the authority of God and Scripture, never compromising the truth even if that is offensive to some. But that doesn’t mean I carry some great authority and greatness in an of myself. I am a sinner who has been saved by God’s grace, not by anything of my own doing so that I may not boast. To lead others is to share life and truth with others. It’s not all about giving but healthy ministry involves receiving encouragement as well
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for giving your people to one another. Help me to minister in such a way that moves beyond the superficial and into real life. Help me to avoid the “presentation” trap and to really walk in the living life model as seen in Paul and in Christ. Thank you for making it so simple and real. Help me to see more opportunities to truly minister your love and truth to those around me. Amen
