Slave-Ministers

Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive. Titus 2:9-10

I'm going to tell you something that, if you fully grasp it and live it, will bring a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and freedom to your life.

Your career (whatever it is) is your unique ministry. Nobody else can do what you do. You are in that position for a purpose, and God loves using you there.

It doesn't matter if your position is paid or not. A stay-at-home (yeah, right!) mom of 3 kids has a unique ministry to those kids that no one else in the world can have. A receptionist at a company has a unique ministry to each person she speaks to on the phone or who comes in to visit. An executive has a unique ministry to other executives who are struggling to do things the right way, as well as to the employees under his watch. A cashier at Wal Mart has a unique ministry to all of those who pass through their line - many who may be at the end of their rope.

Opportunities surround us.

When Paul wrote to Titus addressing the attitude and actions that slaves should have, he was addressing a large percentage of people within the Roman Empire. He was reminding them that there was value to their work, however remedial it may be. Someone who works hard, is respectful and honest is an excellent ambassador for the Savior. A slave could convert a master! Likewise, a lazy, disrespectful, cheater of a slave who claimed to be a Christ follower would be of no use in converting their master or fellow slaves.

In my 10 years of construction, there were a lot, and I mean A LOT, of times I felt like a slave to the company. Certain things had to be done, and the company didn't really care how long it would take or what else was going on in your life right then. If it meant pulling an all nighter, so be it. And don't think about taking off early on Friday to compensate for those late nights, either, becuase that sets a bad example for the others who may be slackers.

On my better days, I remembered that by keeping a positive attitude, working hard, and standing by my morals, I was putting in a good word for the Savior to my peers and my boss. And, my position afforded me the unique opportunity of ministry to a bunch of crusty old construction superintendents and workers that desparately needed to hear a message of hope.

Today, sometimes I wish I had been more intentional more often about that ministry. But, I trust God used the spoken and unspoken to make His point in ways I didn't even realize at the time.

But, I want to encourage and remind YOU today that you are in a unique position of ministry. Allow God to use you in that place. Don't fret wishing you could be in a more prominent position where you could reach more people. You have plenty within your current circle of influence. You already have the title "minister".

And God's doing exciting things right there, right now! Enjoy the ride.