Christian Ministry Training Blog

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)

Scripture guides us in our ministry endeavors. Two verses in particular, when followed, will keep our ministries on track. Colossians 3:17 exhorts us to do whatever we do in the name of the Lord Jesus, the topic of a previous post. Here we’ll look at doing whatever we do “all for the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31).

Questions to Ask to Determine if Our Ministry Endeavors Are All Done to the Glory of God

When we look at some specific Scripture passages that deal with how glory can be brought to God, we can learn how to engage in ministry in ways that glorify Him. While it would be easy to respond positively because that’s our desire, we need a reality check because it’s so easy for us to digress.

1) Are we relying on God and His power to be at work in us to accomplish what we do?

“. . . and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thess. 1:11-12)

Be real: Sometimes we just want to get things checked off of our “to do” list. If we don’t rely on Him, it will be so easy to fall back on self-determination and self-effort … and that is not for the glory of God.

2) Are we holding on to the promises of God?

“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.” (2 Cor. 1:20)

Be real: There are many voices clamoring for us to doubt or water down what we believe. If we don’t stand firm on God’s Word, without wavering, it will be so easy for us to compromise and miss out on God’s true blessings … and that is not to the glory of God.

3) Are we authentic and holding ourselves accountable in what we do?

“Then Joshua said to Achan, ‘My son, give glory to the Lord, the God of Israel, and give him the praise. Tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me.'” (Josh. 7:19)

Be real: There will be times that we err. If we don’t commit to doing ministry with honesty and integrity, it will be so easy to cover up or justify when we have done something wrong … and that is not for the glory of God.

4) Are we keeping our attitudes in check, being grateful to God even when adversity or opposition comes in what we do?

“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.” (Ps. 69:30)

Be real: Things will not always go as we plan. If we don’t learn to be thankful and content in all circumstances, it will be so easy to complain and grumble … and that is not for the glory of God.

5) Are we exercising discernment so we choose what is the best and most righteous way to do what we do?

“… that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God. (Phil. 1:9-11)

Be real: We’re often faced with many good options. If we don’t stop and pray and think through what God would have us do, it will be so easy to take short cuts or settle for second best out of convenience … and that is not to the glory of God.

6) Are we doing what we do so His grace is “reaching more and more people”?

“… so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.” (2 Cor. 4:15)

Be real: Distractions abound in ministry. If we don’t guard and maintain this as an objective, it will be so easy to become ingrown … and that is not for the glory of God.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Col. 3:17)

When we serve “in the name of the Lord Jesus” we not only have His power and authority for ministry but also an example to follow. We have a Standard for ALL we do which means ministry methodology conforms to Him, not to the ways of the world or what’s comfortable for us.

Ways Doing All in Jesus’ Name Affects Ministry Methodology

1) We focus on what is most important.

Jesus taught about love being the Greatest Commandments but He also consistently focused on serving people out of love, not controlling or manipulating them by what He did.

Lessons for us:

• Do keep love a top priority. Methods are important but they are not most important. Jesus said that everything, even the law and prophets, should be wrapped up in loving God and loving people (Matt. 22:36-40).
• Don’t let methods divide.

2) We’re purposeful in what we do.

Jesus lived so that people would better understand and know the Father. He knew when it was time to make changes to better fulfill that purpose (Mk. 1:35-39).

Lessons for us:

• Do showcase the Lord and His love in all you do.
• Don’t let the method become more important than the Message.

3) We’re other-centered in what we do.

Jesus excelled at meeting people where they were. He knew people were at different places developmentally and spiritually and responded accordingly.

Lessons for us:

• Do remember that not everybody is like you! People think and learn differently from one another.
• Don’t do something a certain way just because it is comfortable or convenient for you.

4) We use variety.

Jesus used different means of healing, teaching, discipling, and relating with people throughout His ministry. He did not always heal the same way. He did not always teach the same way.

Lessons for us:

• Do employ some creativity in ministry. There are often many ways to accomplish the same objective.
• Don’t get stuck in a rut.

Let’s not get so caught up in our methodology that we feel we can’t change even when the method no longer works effectively. Let’s trust God to be at work in and through us rather than rely on methodology. That will happen when we do whatever we do in the name of the Lord Jesus.

More for Church Leaders: Church’s Power – The Name of the Lord