A Million Questions
Little kids know all about this three letter powerful word: why? Why did God make the sky blue? Why does spring come after winter? Why do we go to church every Sunday? Why do I have to be nice to my sister?
We as grown-ups could learn something from the toddlers’ innocent questions. Why do we behave in certain manners? Why do we get involved in particular ministries? What motivates us? What is our purpose?
I’ve been thinking lately about why I blog…about why I teach Bible study…and why I lead Vacation Bible school…What kinds of things motivate my words?
When my kids’ questions become overwhelming, I’m tempted to answer their “why”s with a standard one-word response: BECAUSE!
But when God asks me why I blog (or do any kind of ministry), I can’t just say “because.”
The world looks at each opportunity through a cost-analysis grid. Is this pursuit worth it? What will I receive in return? What's in it for me? There are many reasons to be involved in ministry.
Maybe I’m doing it because I was pressured into it. I don’t want to disappoint anyone. Maybe I’m writing because I like to hear the praise of others and gather up their accolades. Perhaps I’m interested in a ministry opportunity because it will grant me power and position. Maybe I blog as a personal outlet or perhaps as a business opportunity.
How about you? Why do you blog? Why do you sing in the choir? Why do you invite your neighbors to church? What motivates you?
Civilla D. Martin, in her famous hymn, “His Eye Is On the Sparrow,” gave a simple answer to this question. “I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free.”
The apostle James adds,
Our ministry should be an overflow of the joy that comes from knowing God. Not because we're trying to win a popularity contest or because we are seeking affirmation from others. Not because we want to climb the ladder of success. Not because we are forced to. We sing (or blog) because we are HAPPY - happy to belong to Jesus and happy to trust our lives into His hands.
It’s become my motto. I sing (or write or speak or teach) because Jesus has made me happy. My motivation comes from His freeing power in my life. I do everything for His glory. That’s a good enough reason for me.
Here are some hard questions we may need to answer:
Come visit me...
We as grown-ups could learn something from the toddlers’ innocent questions. Why do we behave in certain manners? Why do we get involved in particular ministries? What motivates us? What is our purpose?
I’ve been thinking lately about why I blog…about why I teach Bible study…and why I lead Vacation Bible school…What kinds of things motivate my words?
When my kids’ questions become overwhelming, I’m tempted to answer their “why”s with a standard one-word response: BECAUSE!
But when God asks me why I blog (or do any kind of ministry), I can’t just say “because.”
The world looks at each opportunity through a cost-analysis grid. Is this pursuit worth it? What will I receive in return? What's in it for me? There are many reasons to be involved in ministry.
Maybe I’m doing it because I was pressured into it. I don’t want to disappoint anyone. Maybe I’m writing because I like to hear the praise of others and gather up their accolades. Perhaps I’m interested in a ministry opportunity because it will grant me power and position. Maybe I blog as a personal outlet or perhaps as a business opportunity.
How about you? Why do you blog? Why do you sing in the choir? Why do you invite your neighbors to church? What motivates you?
Civilla D. Martin, in her famous hymn, “His Eye Is On the Sparrow,” gave a simple answer to this question. “I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free.”
The apostle James adds,
“Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise” (James 5:13).I may not be in front on Sundays with the choir or praise team, but I sing with my words of encouragement to family and friends. I sing with my actions and my life and may it always be because I’m happy in Jesus!
Our ministry should be an overflow of the joy that comes from knowing God. Not because we're trying to win a popularity contest or because we are seeking affirmation from others. Not because we want to climb the ladder of success. Not because we are forced to. We sing (or blog) because we are HAPPY - happy to belong to Jesus and happy to trust our lives into His hands.
It’s become my motto. I sing (or write or speak or teach) because Jesus has made me happy. My motivation comes from His freeing power in my life. I do everything for His glory. That’s a good enough reason for me.
Here are some hard questions we may need to answer:
*Why am I blogging? What is my purpose?
*Am I involved in ministry for the right reasons – because of what Jesus has done for me?
*Someone once said, “If you are saved, inform your face.” Is your life a happy song of praise to God?
Come visit me...
Labels: Ministry
posted by Heather @ 12:00 AM
7 Comments:
I think it's so easy to lose perspective when we are just doing anything and rather than remembering the sheer joy (and praise it's meant to be), it becomes more of a burden or a routine.
This is such a wonderful and insightful post and reminds us that even our Heavenly Father took time to rest and regroup so He could stay focus on what He needed to do.
I blog because it's a way for me to paint onto canvas the words in my heart. I've spent a lifetime writing, and now I have a forum for my thoughts.
Having readers is important. C.S. Lewis once said, we read so that we know we're not alone. I think that writer's write because they mostly intend for their words to be read (especially when it's scripted across blogsphere!). Blogging is not for the journaling of thoughts better left unscripted.
I want my words to reflect the truth of who God is and what he is teaching me in my life. I always want to be a student of Him. Blogging is my way of writing the essay of the essential.
peace~elaine
This was a beautiful post.
First of all I think of the scripture that talks of things that are like filthy rags of righteousness and then I think of the scripture that talks of wood, hay and stubble. I am reminded that what Papa looks at is not what I am doing, but the motive of what I am doing. I can sing in the choir or write for blogsphere or teach a class in the children's church, but what is my motive? I think that is what the Spirit of God looks on and judges.
I sat with the question before God a few months back, "why am I blogging?" I had seen so many who were aspiring to be writers and even published. Was that why I was here? I had to ask and understand my motive. Used to I would want the attention to get value. I had to know if that was hidden in my blogging efforts.
So I asked God to reveal to me my heart. What I discovered is that I am not aspiring to be a writer or to be published. I write simply because I love it.
I love to write my heart, where His treasures are hidden.
Thanks for asking the question!
Hugs,
Julie
This was a wonderful post, thank you.
Heather...what a GREAT post...you know we HAVE to make ourselves STOP and look at the WHYS of it all. I had to myself...
We heard the sermon yesterday of "Living" the WORD, not just knowing it....
Looking at the WHY's help us LIVE!
You words are wise my friend...the question to ponder are ones to sit on...Thank you for this!!
It looks like Blogger is still being funny...I'm glad we are back up at least!!
Peace,
lori
Hey Heather,
I'm just getting a chance to read your post. This site was not working for me for a few days!
Anyhow, this was great. You made me stop a minute and really think...
I want everything I do to bring GLORY to Him, I pray that is the purpose that drives me daily.
Blessings my sweet friend♥
Oh. Very good questions. I like to blog about things that are important to me. I like to participate in ministries that I have an interest in or a passion for. I've found that serving God is my purpose for being on this Earth. There's joy in serving Him and working to further His kingdom. When I don't live for Him, this Earthly life just seems disappointing and like a waste.
Post a Comment
It is good to hear from you... thank you so very much for leaving a note on the table. That makes us smile!
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home