I've been thinking alot lately about ministry and "being in the ministry". I think most of us would define ministry as working in a church or doing something for God. That's basically what I thought, anyway. What I found, though, when I began studying was eye-opening and rather humbling. In Numbers 4:12, the word ministry (KJV) in the Hebrew means (shareth) 'service', coming from another Hebrew word, sharath meaning 'to attend to' or 'to contribute to'. Later in verse 47 the word abowdah is used which means 'work.' In most of the New Testament ministry is the Greek word diakonia which means 'attendance' coming from the word diakoneo meaning 'to be an attendant or to wait upon'. It also means 'aid' and again 'service'. In Hebrews the word ministry speaks of the ministry of Jesus and means 'public function' coming from another word meaning 'public servant'. So far we see that ministry is service, nothing really new there. It's what I found next that impressed me. In 2 Chron. 7:6, David praised the priests and Levites for their ministry,the word comes from the Hebrew , yad, and means with 'a hand open' (Levites were the music ministers by the way, which speaks to me.)

This put things in a whole new light for me. See, if your hands are open you can't be holding onto anything. As ministers we have to always be willing and ready to "serve with open hands", as Jesus did. He ate with and spoke with sinners. He touched those others found repulsive and wouldn't go near. He accepted those others cast out and rejected. He even laid down His own life for those who were unworthy. God , please let me serve as Jesus did. MInistry is a high calling and carries great responsibility. As Jesus, we lay our lives down daily for others. We put aside hobbies, personal interests, sleep, often family time and other thngs we enjoy for the sake of Christ. Not that ministry isn't enjoyable. How glorious to see that soul won in salvation, or a body wracked with disease walk away healed or a broken heart mended and filled with joy!

I pray I am always willing to take the time and lay down what I need to and serve with open hands. In the grand scheme of life, how much time does it take really to acknowlede and respond to a friend's message, pray with someone you meet on the street or in a business, give to a person in need? Are we that busy? I've had to reevaluate my life and take a closer look at what's really important and what is not. God called me to be a minister. Am I answering as I should? Is my life mine- or His? I pray all who read this take a closer look at their own lives and ministries and are willing to make changes as needed. After all, we're all in this together. Be blessed!