Circuit Thoughts

During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, “Come and help us.” Acts 16:9

Wouldn’t it be nice if every time God called us to ministry it would come in a vision? The Bible is full of visions given to people to fulfill God’s plan. However not everyone got a vision. Paul received this one, but not Luke, or Barnabas or Silas. Peter received a vision, but we have no record of Matthew receiving a vision. God sends visions every so often to people to guide, but not everyone gets them.

This does not let us off the hook. Just because we haven’t seen a vision, does not mean we haven’t received one. (Okay, I know what you are thinking, “Kent, lay off the sacramental wine”. However, the UMC uses grape juice). The fact is, we often ignore God’s call because it does not fit the parameters we have personally established. It’s like asking for directions when the map is in your hands.

As Christ followers, we all have a mission. That mission to is bring people to Christ so they can become disciples. It’s laid out in the last chapter of Matthew. In all actuality, you and I have been given a commission, we just may have overlooked it.

The call to ministry covers a myriad of possibilities. Ministry can consist of orating from the highest peak in the land or serving meals at a soup kitchen. Ministry can mean helping a neighbor, or just sitting with someone in the nursing home. Serving meals, or cleaning toilets can all be a means of ministry.

I think we miss opportunities to minister because those opportunities don’t meet our criteria. We seek a God given vision with smoke and flame and the voice of James Earl Jones. But God speaks in a still small voice. We hear better in the quiet time.

We live in a time when ministry is needed, and yet ignored. Economics and politics work against the “grand” ministry schemes. But then, grand isn’t necessarily what God calls us too. Jesus tells us; “If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, I tell you the truth, that person will surely be rewarded”.

A cup of cold water is a ministry. A positive word is a ministry. A shoulder to lean on and an ear to listen is a ministry. Our Macedonian call is right next door. If you lack a vision for ministry, then I suggest you look in the bible, and then do what Christ did. It may not be a world changing ministry, but it will be life changing for you and those who receive.

We don’t have to go to far off lands, nor do we have to fill pulpits and preach. Ministry is showing Christ to all we meet. Maybe it’s time we stopped looking for the vision and started focusing on Christ.

See you in church.