WEDNESDAY March 19, 2025

Desiring a Good Work

This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.
1 Timothy 3:1

Paul established with Timothy the basis of true ministry. The work of the ministry is not only for pastors; it also relates to elders or bishops. The word bishop means “overseer.” If any man desires the office of a bishop––as an overseer––he desires a good work. One of the highest callings in life is the call to ministry. Some people may respond, “You mean that I have to be in full time ministry to fulfill the call of God?” I believe wherever God has placed you in life, such as a schoolteacher, a janitor, a lawyer, or wherever it is, as a Christian, that is your highest calling.

Men are not chosen by God because of their good looks, or what degrees they may have accomplished in college, or how many gifts or talents God has given to them. It is all according to His grace. He is the One who calls people.

First of all, I want to clarify that the ministry is not a job. It is a call of God, not a profession. When God calls you, He prepares you and anoints you for where He wants to use your life. God desires that we minister to people suffering in a world full of darkness. People are perplexed, downcast and overwhelmed in life. They need Jesus Christ. Listen, you have the answer because you know the Gospel message. It is a treasure within us––within our earthen vessels (2 Corinthians 4:7). Go and do the beautiful ministry of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Understand, the Church belongs to Jesus Christ. He paid for it with His life. A pastor cannot say, “This is my church.” I have asked pastors, “How much did you pay for it?” Listen, the Church and its people belong to God. The Lord has called pastors, bishops, and elders to feed His flock. However, God has not called pastors to be politicians. They are to remain in prayer and the Word. Why? It is their call to feed the flock of God.

It is a blessing to be called by the Lord into ministry. Today, seek the Lord and ask Him, “How do You want to use my life?”

No life can surpass that of a man who quietly continues to serve God in the place where providence has placed him.
~Charles Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!