It was January 2002, mere months after the horror of September 11. Just a sophomore in academy, I traveled to the heart of New York City with a dozen or so of my classmates. We had a common purpose: to find people, talk to them, and, in even the smallest way, try to brighten their day. It was ministry of the highest calling—whether we left them with a copy of The Desire of Ages or a cup of hot chocolate.
That experience changed my life. Growing up Adventist, I’d watched my share of Mission Spotlight presentations. But 10 years ago, amid a sea of hopeless faces in the Big Apple, I realized missionaries are needed stateside, too. Since then I’ve been on a handful of overseas mission trips. But just as God calls some people to witness in the rain forests of Brazil, He’s led me to focus within my circle of influence.
No, I’m not a pastor, youth director, or theologian; I’m just a guy who’s willing to walk through the doors that God opens.
Balancing Act
One of the hardest parts of ministry is learning how to balance the daily responsibilities of life with the overwhelming urge to grow in my own faith, and share what I’ve discovered with others. In addition to my monthly column for the Review, I lead a young adult Sabbath school class and a weekly in-home Bible study, and help execute many of the special programs at my church.
However, just like you, I have bills to pay. That requires having, you know, a full-time job. For some reason, “I was preparing for my Bible study!” hasn’t worked as a defense for being late with my projects at work. Also, I recently got engaged (FYI: we’re registered at Bed, Bath, and Beyond). As many of you know, planning a wedding is a lot of work.
In order to keep fulfilling the ministry responsibilities I’ve taken on, I’ve had to sacrifice sleep, hobbies, and personal time. Frankly—and I know this isn’t unique to me—there aren’t enough hours in the day.
One of the most interesting stories in Scripture about balancing time and tasks is found in Luke 10:38-42. It’s not every day that the Savior of the world comes to your home for a little R & R. The two women of the house, Mary and Martha, had very different definitions about being a good host.
Mary was the socialite. Sitting across from Jesus in the living room, she filled Him in on the latest happenings of her life and asked Him almost every question imaginable. By the end of the conversation she probably knew His birthday, His favorite color, and the names of all His family members. She wasn’t the type to be bothered by petty chores, like preparing lunch.
I can almost see the annoyance on Martha’s face as she periodically stepped in to refill Jesus’ water glass. With such an important guest in the house there were so many things to do! And, as usual, Mary wasn’t helpful at all.
No question, both sisters loved Jesus. They just expressed it differently. Mary wanted to know Jesus; Martha focused on serving Him. But as Jesus said to Martha, service for God should never preempt a relationship with God. When it does, good intentions become self-perpetuating.
I can relate to Martha. Sometimes I spend so much time preparing for Sabbath school or Bible study that I forget the most important element of ministry is building my own relationship with Jesus.
At Pentecost, and in the years after, the disciples baptized and healed thousands. Their acts of faith and selflessness told in the book of Acts continue to encourage and enlighten millions. Yet these are the same guys who asked which of them would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven and fell asleep in Gethsemane. What changed?
Their ministry became transformative because through a daily relationship with Jesus, they themselves had been transformed.
That’s ministry of the highest calling.
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Jimmy Phillips ([email protected]) writes from Bakersfield, California, where he is electronic media coordinator for San Joaquin Community Hospital. Visit his Web site at www.introducingthewhy.com. This article was published May 10, 2012.
