Ministry

You don't have to wait to be at a certain "level" of spirituality in order to be used by God...He can work through anyone who is willing to give their "yes". Nor does God limit His gifts to a certain personality type or those whose state of life is only directly involved in serving the church as a pastor, priest, nun, or deacon.

This charcoal drawing of Jesus and these paintings are a result of the answer to a call from God to my brother, Albert, who loves to express himself through art. I have always known he was good, but it wasn't until seeing the fruit of his talent bring others closer to Jesus and deeper in prayer did I realize the potential of grace that could flow from a heart out through his hands.

The Fourth Purpose in The Purpose Driven Life speaks of ministry in such a beautiful yet very practical way. Here are some quotes from Rick Warren that elaborate more on what I'm talking about...

"Anytime you use your God-given abilities to help others, you are fulfilling your calling."

"Figure out what you love to do - what God gave you a heart to do - and then do it for His glory."

"Only you can be you."

"God designed each of us so there would be no duplication in the world. No one has the exact same mix of factors that make you unique. That means no one else on earth will ever be able to play the role God has planned for you. If you don't make your unique contribution to the Body of Christ, it won't be made."

"To discover God's will for your life, you should seriously examine what you are good at doing and what you're not good at."

"Whatever you're good at, you should be doing for your church!"

I just finished listening to two talks on cd produced by St. Joseph Radio...one is an interview with Jim Caviezel, who plays Jesus in Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ and the other one was an interview with two Carmelites - Sister Timothy Marie and Sister Genevieve Marie (from Alhambra!) - and Fr. Norbert Wood about their reactions to the movie. It just goes to show that you can do anything you love and have it bring glory to God. Jim offers up his talent for acting, Mel Gibson gives his gift for production and direction, and the religious present God with their insights to share with us from a perspective of ones totally in love with Jesus. Just goes to show that there are many avenues of service and ministry...

All I have to do is look around me and I see this so clearly in the people I encounter every day. Each one brings to God the very gifts and talents instilled within them...doing what they love and are obviously good at. This isn't purposed to bring glory to ourselves, though many times worldly recognition may come from "going public". It is important that in all things we credit Him first. "We are blessed so that we may bless others." I love that statement. Thus we gaze into the heavens and say, "Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to serve you. I don't even deserve to be in your Presence, yet these opportunities to reach people give me the chance to imitate you in the little I can do for you." There is nothing so small and insignificant that is not noticed by Him. We are many parts...we are all one body...and each part is greatly needed. Amen.