The Mysterious Ministry

Colossians 4:17 "And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it."

This command was not recorded solely for he benefit of Archippus. Every child of God should pay careful attention to this verse. A life lived without fulfilling what God has given us to do is a wasted life indeed.

But what is this ministry which we have received of the Lord? I think most people would argue that they don't feel God has necessarily given them any one particular ministry. At least, God's never told them in so many words! It's lame arguments like this that show how little we understand of God's call to ministry.

The word ministry here means:

"Service, ministering, esp. of those who execute the commands of others. Of those who by the command of God proclaim and promote religion among men. The ministration of those who render to others the offices of Christian affection esp. those who help meet need by either collecting or distributing of charities. The service of those who prepare and present food."

I love the last part of the definition. We don't know exactly what Archippus' ministry was, however it could have been as simple as preparing and presenting food to those who needed it. The point here is - don't overthink the question of "what ministry have I received of the Lord?" This kind of question leaves us waiting motionless for some kind of revelation about whether we should go into overseas missions or become a pastor. When instead, God wants each and everyone of us to render to others the offices of Christian affection, to meet the needs of others.

This is your ministry, this is my ministry. Let us go and fulfill it!