Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:13-16

Many Christians tend to think of the work of Christian ministry as limited to the activities that happen within the walls of a church. As such, pastors, church staff, worship leaders are the people that “do ministry,” but the calling of Christians who work outside the church is something else. The Bible doesn’t see life and ministry this way, and it paints a very different picture.

The truth of the matter is that every Christian has been bought with the blood of Jesus, and since this is true, our lives don’t belong to us anymore. We belong to Jesus—our work, our ambitions, and our aspirations are for him to determine and to use for his purposes. This means that every Christian’s life is ministry and ministry is life. Because we belong to him, God calls every believer to live, work and play for him and for his glory. (1Cor. 10:31) After all, this is at the heart of what Christian ministry is really about—living, working and serving others in the name of Jesus for the glory of Jesus.

When you look around at your peers, what drives them in life? Are they trying to make a name for themselves? And for those of us who follow Jesus, are we any different? Are we trying to make a name for ourselves, or are we focused on Jesus’ name and his renown? Spend some time considering how God has uniquely placed you to stand out as salt and light, and consider what having a mindset of Christian ministry might look like in the callings God has placed on you.