Ministry Vs. Job

Some people have a job in the church.  Others invite themselves into a ministry. What's the difference you ask?

If you are doing it just because no one else will, it's a job. If you are doing it to serve the Lord, it's a ministry.

If you quit because someone criticized you, it's a job. If you keep on serving, it's a ministry.

If things don't go just like you wanted or expected, it's a job.  If they go even worse than that sometimes but you know God is bigger than circumstances and opposition, it's a ministry.

If problems keep sidetracking you, it's a job.  If problems arise but Jesus' resurrection is greater, it's a ministry.

If you constantly remind others of how much you give and sacrifice, it's a job.  If you realize all you have is not yours anyway and all for His glory and service, it's a ministry.

If you'll do it as long as it does not interfere with your other activities, it's a job.  If you are committed to staying even if it means letting go of other things, it's a ministry.

If you quit because no one thanked you or praised you, it's a job.  If you stick with it even though no one recognized your efforts, it's a ministry.

If you only see what you want to accomplish, it's a job.  If you see the whole vision and lay down your needs in light of the church being built, it's a ministry.

If it has to be how you want it when you want it, it's a job.  If you are willing to wait on the Lord and serve another's vision and plan, it's a ministry.

If you quit because of people, it's a job. If you stay because people are whom you serve no matter what, it's a ministry.

If you do it only when things are easy, it's a job.  If you sacrifice and do hard things, welcome to ministry.

It's hard to get excited about a job.  It's almost impossible not to get excited about a ministry.

If you do it expecting temporary reward, it's a job.  If your reward is in heaven, it's a ministry.

If Satan is quick to steal your joy, it's a job.  If your joy revolves around Christ and found only in Him, it's a ministry.

If your concern is success, it's a job.  If your concern is faithfulness and service, it's a ministry.

If you are in it for personal gain, it's a job. If you are in it for Kingdom gain, it's a ministry.

If you see yourself as someone who does more than others, it's a job.  If you see yourself as someone who serves others, even when no one else seems to be serving, it's a ministry.

If you see spreading the Gospel as a chore, it's a job.  If spreading the Gospel is the very foundation and motivation for what you do, it's a ministry.

If God calls you to a ministry, don't treat it like a job!

Lord, strengthen your servants and  move us to a true sense of ministry and service, through your grace and mercy. Amen.