A Morning Thought...

The goal of true Christian ministry:

1 Timothy 1:5 5 But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

Paul lays forth here what the goal of ministry is, namely love. This is not some superficial, feel good, narcissistic, psycho-therapeutic, self-authenticating love. Rather, this is the biblical idea of agape.

The goal of our instruction in ministry - and especially for pastors and shepherds - is genuine, honest, heart-felt, Christlike love.

Agape love is a selfless, unilateral, unconditional, serving and sacrificial kind of love. Perhaps the key word of agape love is sacrificial. That is the goal (telos) of our instruction. How often do we "do" ministry in a way or in a manner or with an attitude that is not loving, not selfless, not looking out for the welfare and needs of others? Paul is telling young Timothy that he is to "instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith" (1 Tim 1:3-4). Then he immediately says, "O but Timothy, don't forget that you must do all this with an attitude of selfless, humble, sacrificial and unconditional love.

Could this be characterized of how WE do ministry? Do WE serve the Lord with this kind of love? Is this kind of sacrificial spirit in our hearts as we labor intensively for the Lord?

May be we those who are absolutely committed to loving God and loving others and doing ministry in a manner that fleshes out what it means to possess the agape love of God.

Mark 6:34 34 And when He went ashore, He [Jesus] saw a great multitude, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things.