Ready Yourself

Posted on March 13, 2019 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters

“For the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, For the edifying of the body of Christ,” — Ephesians 4:12

How are you at receiving counsel? How about advice from your Doctor or Dentist? I still don’t floss as much as I should and my weight is more than my doctor would like. What about spiritual advice or guidance?

The previous verse to Ephesians 4:12 is “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers” and then it goes on to say “…for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” So in a sense, a major part of our communion is to be equipped, made ready or make provision for the works of the ministry. It would be like your doctor or dentist informing you of ways to improve your health and well-being and then seeing a dramatic improvement on your next visit. Or for a counselor giving advice to overcome a stronghold and seeing drastic results and gaining victory over a life issue.

I would imagine pastors would have great joy in hearing that one his congregants was responsible for ministering to a person in need or was seen doing random acts of kindness following a sermon on serving our community. I think one of the best ways to show appreciation for our pastors is to put their teachings into action, not just an encouraging word of how good his sermon was but to be doers of the Word.

There seems to be a lot of “lip service” in the Church that gets more attention than actual deeds, this is where serving can be a discouragement. We have a desire to serve and see people who talk the talk but not walk the walk getting recognition. And this is where the test is, a true servant will serve even when no one is watching or acknowledging them.

There is a saying that we are performing for an audience of One, God will reward those who diligently seek Him and serve Him. Seek and serve has got to be the order of business, I’ve been guilty of reversing that method and trying to serve my way into His acceptance. The proper way to serve is to attend corporate worship services, be challenged by God’s word and spend daily quite time with the Lord in His word and fellowship with God’s people.

The idea of “Ready Yourself” is a prerequisite of an attitude to hearing from God, a purposed removal of distractions, a self-examination, confession and repentance. These are sure fire steps to being a recipient of our call to duty. Let’s pray that the Body of Christ will rise to the occasion, but it has to start with you and me, Amen!

Written by Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri, and serves with her as full time staff members. He is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can contact him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org. 

The Daily Bible Reading: Job 20-21, 1 Cor. 7:20-40| You can download our 2018 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “The truth is that, though we were justified by faith alone, the faith that justifies is never alone (it always produces fruit, “good works,”…a transformed life).” – J.I. Packer

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. – 1 Corinthians 1:9