3 Reasons Your Ministry Matters More Than You May Think

The late nights can be brutal; there seems to be no shortage of meetings, you wonder if anyone hears a word of the sermon, and carrying people’s hurts can be a heavy burden to shoulder. There are plenty of days when you can’t help but wonder if you are making a difference.  But rest assured, you are making a difference, and what you do for Christ and His church has eternal significance.

Your ministry matters, and it matters more than you may think!  Why?  Let's consider a few reasons.

Because your service to the Lord will not be wasted.  Look at how Paul encouraged the saints in Galatia: “So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9, HCSB).  In other words, your sermons, your prayers, and your wise counsel make a difference—none of it is wasted.  But even though there are days and weeks where you don’t see a difference, understand, the Spirit of God is at work through you.  For years, I have heard ministers say we may never know the full impact of our ministry this side of heaven.  It is encouraging for me to think that eternity will reveal the effectiveness of that sermon which fell flat, or the visit which seemed unproductive, or the prayer that was whispered over a discouraged and weary soul.  

Because you’re shaping lives by modeling faithfulness. Listen to Paul’s words to Timothy, “Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Timothy 4:16, HCSB).  Take a minute and notice the order of Paul’s words—first, your life, second, your teaching.  We must never forget that people are observing how we live, not just the things we say.  Therefore, every act of integrity, every moment we demonstrate true compassion, every time we intentionally choose humility over pride—we are effectively and quietly pointing men and women to Jesus.

Because you are joining God in His great work of redemption. Jesus said, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you. I appointed you that you should go out and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain” (John 15:16, HCSB).  The fruit that remains—what He is speaking of is the promise of a faithful ministry.  I certainly understand that what we do is exhausting, but the impact of our labor, though tiring, is not temporary.  It has an eternal impact.  It is an inspiring thought to remember that Heaven will be populated with people who came to Christ because you remained faithful to your post.

Please don’t let discouragement get the best of you and convince you otherwise.  I certainly understand that we preachers can sometimes feel small, unnoticed, and even beaten down, but this truth remains: the Lord who called you has certainly not forgotten you.  So, stand firm.  Keep teaching and preaching. Keep loving and shepherding.  Keep leading and protecting.  Because Your ministry for the Kingdom of God matters far more than you may be able to see today.  And after a life of faithful ministry and service, you will one day hear, one day our Lord say, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” and you will be overwhelmed by the realization that it was worth it all.

Thank You For Your Service!

Will

Please leave any comments or questions in the section below!  Or you can email me at w.langford64@gmail.com.