Evaluating Your Ministry

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

How important it is to our spiritual growth to serve in the body of Christ! This is important no matter what stage of life we are in – circumstances vary, but the basic principle remains true.

Three questions to ask yourself as you evaluate your service to others:

First, are you serving? Most likely you are serving others in some capacity. Prayer, reaching out behind the scenes to others, raising children – these are all significant areas of service. But if you feel as if you are primarily concerned with “self” rather than God and others, pray for wisdom and begin planning to reverse this trend. Don’t see this as a burdensome duty but as a proper and natural expression of love to God.

Second, where are you serving? We should seek ways to serve Jesus Christ in our families, church, and in our communities. There is often overlap, but these are biblical categories to consider. Also, the verse above reminds us that God wants “faithful” servants. This means we cannot serve in so many areas that none of them truly receive the attention they deserve.

Third, how are you serving? Space does not permit a lengthy discussion of spiritual gifts (see Romans 12 or 1 Corinthians 12). But hopefully you are serving in ways that are compatible with the gifts and talents given to you by God. It’s great to stretch yourself beyond these, but if you stretch too far (or for too long) you just may snap! Do you need to reevaluate?

Fourth, are you ministering the grace of God? Notice in the verse quoted above that we are called to “faithfully administer God’s grace.” God’s grace is seen in the manner in which we serve – humbly, lovingly, generously. God’s grace should also be communicated explicitly, by helping people to see Jesus Christ for who he is. We must all be ready to speak the gospel (1 Peter 3:15), and you never know when this may be!

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NOTE: This was written for the New Covenant newsletter, but I thought it would fit well here on the blog as well.