FULL TIME FOR THE LORD

033 – MAY 2006

Full Time for the Lord

I always find it quite interesting when someone says something like, ”I wish that I was ‘full time for the Lord.’” Or, “I’d love to quit my job so I can go ‘full-time for the Lord’”.
I know that they are referring to becoming a Pastor, a Minister, a Missionary, or a T.V. Evangelist but I always answer these statements with … “You already are full time for the Lord.”
These statements cause me to wonder about clerical collars, churchly robes, professional headgear, golden “things”, and such. I am aware that here have been some very Godly men and women who have worn religious garb but I wonder, in the long run, if it is wise to create this gulf between clergy and laity. I wonder if it produces an apathetic misconception of who we are and I wonder if it is, therefore, a very serious error of man made “stuff.” It just makes me wonder.

The truth is, as you’ve given your life to God, you are “full time.” You are full time for the Lord and it is important that you understand this so that you can bring hope, peace, and love to those who bump your daily path.
In fact, in your quest to be great, you will need to serve and you will need to become a “minister”.

Mt 20:26-27 “…but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister.”
“And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.”
We are all ministers. This scripture refers to everyone. The verse does not presuppose that you must lead a church, be a Rabbi, or become a missionary to a third world country. You do not have to be an eight hour per day full time Reverend or a Professional Evangelist. Whether you are a bank teller, a waitress, or an air traffic controller - you are called to be a servant. Whether you are a doctor, a construction worker, or a photographer - you are called to be a “minister.”

It is a very important matter that you understand this truth. It’s important that you “get it”. It would be a good thing to have this truth root deeply in your spirit, because it will change your life. You are a minister. Think about it, you have been deputized by God. So don’t leave it up to someone else, even if they do have a professional minister’s title.

You wish that you could be serving the Lord in a full time position? You are serving the Lord in a full time position.
You wish that you had a Minister’s job - so that you could be involved with the loving, serving, counseling and such? You do have a Minister’s job - so that you can be involved with the loving, serving, counseling and such.
You wish that you had a ministry? You do have a ministry.
You wish that your 8 hours at work each day was for God? Your 8 hours at work each day is for God.
You wish that you could be a full time minister? You are a full time minister.
You wish that you could be active in the Church all day long? You are active in the church all day long.
You wish your job was ministry based? Your job is ministry based.
You wish that you were full time for the Lord? You are full time for the Lord!

Get it?