iShineInMinistry

1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV)

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

I love serving in ministry with a variety of people that all have different gifts, different callings and hearts for different people groups that need to hear about Jesus. We have such diversity in the body of Christ and I love that we always have one thing in common even if nothing else about us seems to be in sync. God brings us all together to do the work of the ministry and it truly is a blessing.

I know that sometimes we get so used to certain people and begin to become comfortable with our usual volunteers, their quirks, their styles and their ability to understand us in a specific way. While we love to be able to serve with these people, we must remember that although we love them, God may call you to do something that does not fit their area of ministry. You may need to find another servant of the Lord to come along side you. When this occurs, please keep the above scripture in mind.

Whether we admit it or not, we are typically drawn to people that are most similar to us. Whether they dress like us, got married and the same age as we did, have the same spiritual gifts that we have or have the same type of personality as ours, they give us a sense of comfort, because they “get us”. However, God may be calling you to do something that requires someone to serve with you whose ideas do not look like yours, type of speech does not sound like yours, or they may have a style that is completely opposite of yours.

Now, before you write off Ida and go to your favorite volunteer Sally, please make sure that you are seeking God as you get ready to serve. God is looking at the heart when He calls people to ministry; those that seem most unlikely by your standards are perfect for this calling in God’s eyes.

So, check your heart at the door and make sure that as you lead in ministry, you too are looking at the heart when you serve!

Are you starting/redeveloping/restructuring a ministry and need fellow workers? Make sure that you are seeking the Lord and letting Him pick the right volunteers and servants that truly have the heart for the ministry and not just people you like to be around!