Over the last two weeks I have looked at how we live healthy and work effectively. It’s a good way to begin the new year.

We all instinctively know we need to do these things. For example, we need to guard our hearts, minds, and families. We certainly need to learn to keep up with the world and to use our time for the glory of God.

Today and tomorrow, I want to write about guarding your career. While this can apply to anyone in any career, I particularly want to think about ministers and the unique calling they have to serve God and to minister to people.

If you find this helpful, please share it with your pastor or minister or a friend.

How do we guard our ministry?

First, view your ministry through the eyes of God. I understand that I have been called by God to do what I do. That calling is a filter through which everything in my life flows. When we see our ministry in this way, it takes special significance.

What a minister does cannot be simply a way to help others or to make a living. It must be seen through the eyes of God. Paul certainly saw it that way. He had been set apart for God’s work. He was to be a light to the Gentiles that they might hear of the power of God.

When Paul wrote to the Colossian believers, he charged them to tell Archippus, “See that you fulfil the ministry which you have received from the Lord” (Colossians 4:17). Many people believe that Archippus was the pastor of the church in the absence of Epaphras who had gone to Rome to minister to Paul on behalf of the church. Paul wanted him to fulfill his ministry.

Had Archippus been reluctant to carry out all that serving God required? Had he failed in fulfilling his purpose and ministry?

To serve God is a wonderful calling. It must be done with all our heart.

Tomorrow we will look at other ways to fulfill your ministry.