1 Timothy 1:1 Commanded by God

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus, who is our hope, [1 Timothy 1:1 NASB]

Paul was an apostle. He wasn't just called to be an apostle. He was commanded. In his role as an apostle, he was a good soldier following orders.

Paul didn't have an ambition to become an apostle. It wasn't something that he worked himself up to do. He didn't follow a family tradition. He obeyed the command of God.

Whatever your ministry is, don't let it be driven by ambition, desire or tradition. Wait on God, and let His calling become a command to you. Then, whatever He commands, do it with the full assurance that you have the command of God on your side.

Don't think that this only applies to the clergy. Every member of the body of Christ has a ministry.

Most of us won't travel the world planting churches in never before reached regions. Most of us are unlikely to stand before a congregation and preach the gospel. Paul said;

Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. [1 Corinthians 12:27-28 NASB]

Different people have different ministries. If we think of the ministry as "preaching", then we are limiting the Spirit of God.

Included in this list is "helps". Do you think of setting up chairs, or making coffee as a ministry? It is. The preacher may be called to preach, but he cannot do everything in the church. If the only working member of a body is the head, then the body is a quadriplegic. If every member of the body does its part, then the body is healthy.

I know a man who is passionate about being an usher. He knows that he is called to that ministry, and he faithfully performs his ministry in obedience to God's command.

The administrators who manage the money, make appointments, arrange events, and the myriad other things that happen behind the scenes are just as much in the ministry as the pastor. Even if they don't get the recognition or pay.

It is good to keep your hands busy and help out where you can, but seek God for your calling, and wait on Him for His command, so that you may perform your ministry, with full assurance that God has commanded you.

Father, I pray that You will speak to my heart. Command me, and I will obey.