Marinade

I was talking to a friend this morning who sustains a significant ministry.  My objective in talking to him was to affirm his strengths and encourage him in the constant battle that is ministry.  One element of our conversation was the crucial and central role the Word of God plays in any effort we make to impact others for Christ.  That is not just true of pros it is true for all of us.

Romans 12:3 – 8; Psalm 139:13 – 16; and Ephesians 2:10 remind us that we are personally, intentionally formed by God with gifts and abilities for a specific work.  That may be as critical as leading your family to a sincere faith in Christ, or as far reaching as winning a country for Him.

What we discussed is that our greatest act of love is to take our gifts, nature, and life to the Lord through marinating in His Word.  That time infuses your character with His.  As you are exposed to His majesty and glory through His Word and the Holy Spirit’s work of working that into your life, you are filled to overflowing with your experience of Him.  It is from that overflowing that we must engage with others.

The enemy does not want us to reach this point.  He will do all that he can – and that is a lot – to keep us out of the Word, away from the presence of the Lord.  It is a battle that regardless of the size or scope of your personal ministry – all of us in Him have a personal ministry – you will have to fight.

It is a battle worth fighting.  It is the best way we can love those around us.