Today’s Reflection is by my good friend Rob Aronson of Auckland New Zealand. Rob is the former Principal of the Assemblies of God Bible College and Now director of Fig Tree Ministries.
There are many noble occupations one could aspire to undertake in life. Being a doctor, lawyer, policeman, vet, engineer, or a nurse, are all popular choices. Actually, of course, any occupation that provides an income for yourself and your family is noble. But what about being a minister of the gospel? Yes, it has the potential, if you are fortunate, to generate an income, but what about the nature of the work? Well actually, it is pretty demanding.
Unlike many other jobs, what sets ministry apart is that you are directly engaging in spiritual warfare, it might even be downright dangerous. What you do will not only affect people in this life, but also in the life hereafter. Isaiah 52:7 tells us,
“How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!””
A serious consideration of what serving God may entail actually has given cause for many to resist the call of God on their life. Moses said, “Lord, please send someone else” Exodus 4:13. Isaiah said, “I am a man of unclean lips” Isaiah 6:5. Jeremiah said, “I am only a child” Jeremiah 1:6, and Gideon said, “I am the least in my father’s house” Judges 6:15.
The fact of the matter is that God’s call to salvation, let alone service, is not to become great in this life, “For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called” 1 Corinthians 1:26. In fact we discover,
“… God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty” 1 Corinthians 1:27.
The issue at stake therefore as to whether you decide to enter into ministry is not your natural gifting or abilities, or even your education; the question is, ‘have you heard God’s call to serve?’ If you have, is that call urgent and irresistible? There are other things to consider when choosing to serve God in front line ministry. However, if you don’t have an inner sense of being driven to engage in the task, God will have another plan for you.