I’ve done a lot of volunteering in the years gone by. I’ve walked dogs at the animal shelter. I’ve played bingo with the nursing home residents. I’ve been a youth leader and a choir member and a server at the soup kitchen.
And it was beautiful. Each time taught me about serving and loving—and how we are all so very much the same at heart.
But during a season of heartache and burnout combined, I drew back. I pulled out of each ministry and sought silence more, simplicity more--Jesus more.
I found that sometimes when we’re in ministry, we focus more on serving than on the One we serve. Sometimes pride creeps in with the labels that accompany our deeds or committees or outreach. We feel justified by our contributions to a named ministry. Sometimes we forget that we are only the vessel.
When I dropped those ministries, it was humbling. My labels were stripped. I had no ‘proof’ that I was a ‘good Christian.’ I couldn’t list all the things that showed I loved Jesus.
Slowly I began to focus more on living out that love in each moment. Maybe each moment could be turned into a ministry. A nameless ministry. One where I served God in every person I met, not just those in my choir or my youth group.
When I could no longer hold on to titles and labels for security, I found myself holding more tightly to Him and finding my security in trusting that He would use anything I gave him each day. When I no longer had to focus on a busy schedule, I found myself focusing more on the random opportunities He sent to share His grace and love—sometimes with words, sometimes by actions.
I’m involved once again in a few named ministries, like the pastoral council and junior high CCD. And I love it. But my quiet time away taught me much.
Sometimes the greatest ministries are the ones without a name.
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