Category Archives: Ministry Focus & Equipping

When we truly believe the creation account in Genesis, particularly the way God made people, we begin to realize it should make a difference in how we do ministry. In this post we want to acknowledge that God made us as physical beings which means we need to get people involved in the process.

God Made People to Process Life as Physical Beings So They Need to be Actively Engaged

God made us with flesh and bone (Gen. 2:23) that engages with and is responsive to its surroundings.

With our eyes we see the beauty of the heavens and earth. With our ears we listen to the sounds made by that which has been created. With our nose we smell the aromas of what surrounds us. With our hands we feel the various textures of the world around us. And, with our mouths we taste the provisions of God’s creation. As we use our senses, we experience and learn.

Implications: Let’s not solely or primarily rely on the auditory sense, whether engaging people in settings like the classroom or the worship service. At minimal we can use visuals along with verbal communication. The more senses we engage, the better.

Also Read: Engage the Senses as Much as Possible

God created us as physical beings, with bodies designed to move.

From what we can gather, God initially used to walk in the Garden with Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:8). They didn’t just sit there doing nothing but rather were put in that garden to “work it and take care of it” (Gen. 2:15). They were made to be physically active.

Implications: Let’s not expect people to sit still and merely listen for long periods of time. Children especially, but even adults, need to be active. Henrietta Mears, founder of Gospel Light, said “God put the wiggle in children. Don’t you dare try to take it out.” We might have to get a little more creative with ways of getting adults standing or moving about, but even adults shouldn’t merely sit passively. All ages need to be engaged, involved physically, not just mentally.

We’ve previously considered how we’re to do all in the name of the Lord Jesus (Col. 3:17) and all for the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31). And, now we reflect on how we’re to do all we do from the heart (Col. 3:23). Though the NIV translates it “with all of your heart” that is by implication. The word for “all” isn’t in the original language but rather “ek psyche” literally meaning “from the soul” often rendered heart. Some translations word it as we’re to work heartily.

What Happens When We Do Ministry Efforts from the Heart

Ministry that comes from the heart rather than out of duty or a need to outwardly conform or please others tends to bear these qualities:

1) authenticity

When we do something from the heart, we mean it. Hence, ministry becomes authentic. We genuinely want to help people because we care. We truly want to glorify God by what we do because we love Him with all of our heart.

2) consistency

When we serve from the heart, we have a sense of accountability whether or not someone is watching for we’re doing what we do “as for the Lord and not for people” (Col. 3:23, NASB) … not for a pastor, ministry leader, or any other member of the Body. Consequently we consistently give it our all.

3) persistence

When it’s a heart issue, it isn’t dependent on outward reward which is good because we don’t always see the results of our labor. The next verse (Col. 3:24) let’s us know that there will be reward but it won’t necessarily be the applause of people and it won’t always come right away. And so, we don’t “become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Gal. 6:9).

It Matters Because God Looks at the Heart

Since ministry done from the heart results in authenticity, consistency, and persistence, is it any wonder God “looks at the heart” in choosing people to serve? — “The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Sam. 16:7)

Serving from our heart stems from loving Him “with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” which Jesus identified as the Greatest Commandment (Matt. 22:37-38). His top priority isn’t just that we “do” ministry but that we do it from a heart of love.

Motives and heart attitudes matter to God, not mere external conformity or obedience. Though we might think we’re doing all the right stuff, God may not find pleasure in it. We may not be doing it for the right reasons. We may be inwardly grumbling and have a bad attitude. — “A person may think their own ways are right, but the LORD weighs the heart.” (Prov. 21:2)