In Life Lesson #7 our focus is another area of ministry that sometimes is neglected when we are “doing ministry”. Never neglect family for ministry. Scripture tells us: Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord—you serve the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for whatever wrong he has done, and there is no favoritism. (Col 3:23-25 HCSB) ”Whatever” is inclusive of guess what…EVERYTHING!
If we have a tendency to separate our ministry life from our other responsibilities we do a disservice to all. Ministry should permeate each thing we do whether it’s our workplace, our neighborhood, our family, or anywhere else God places us each day. And if we are pushing aside family (children, husband, parents, siblings) because we are about the “Lord’s work” in ministry, then what we do for family is not “unto the Lord.”
Balancing all our responsibilities and callings is never easy, but if we see what we do all an extension of ministry that God has called us to, then we see how each relationship and task is important in the Kingdom scheme of things.
What about including family in ministry with you? My girls loved to help with our women’s events all through school. They served, made things, and even did drama occasionally. They also went on mission trips with us beginning in their pre-teen years. You can also include family as you ask them to pray for you as you are involved in different aspects of ministry. Once again, you are including them rather than excluding them from ministry opportunities.
If you have a daughter, perhaps you can do a Bible study with them, like You and Your Girl , Esther , or one of the other girls Bible studies.
Consider planning a girls retreat and have your daughter invite friends from school so that you can invest in their lives together. Find creative ways to involve your family members in what you are doing in ministry. Or have them help create opportunities that they want to do.
What are ways you include family in your ministry??
