Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people, because you know that you will receive your inheritance from the Lord as the reward. Serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24
New English Translation
Right now, I am a little exhausted. My eyes have been begging me to close and let them rest a little longer. That’s because I’m currently in camp season. The month of June is filled with camps from beginning to end for me. I love getting to serve in this capacity, so the month of June is arguably one of my favorite months out of the year. Yet, despite the joy I find in it, it truly takes a lot of energy to make camps happen, no matter how great the team is. That’s why just going for fun isn’t enough.
What keeps me going and helps me fight the tired is the very concept that Paul is talking about in Colossians 3:23-24. I go to camp and have fun, but largely, I’m there to serve God. Sure, I do a lot of behind the scenes work that might not seem to be serving God, but truly it is. Let me explain…
When I serve at camp, I’m not doing it because I want the kids to have the time of their lives or I want to hang out with my friends (though those are all selling points). I go because I understand that for students to be ready to receive all that God has for them in the intentional God-centered moments, there are other moments, behind the scenes moments, that need to be smooth and welcoming.
Let’s say that the pop stand is a negative experience for them. Will they be as open to receiving what God has for them at service that evening if they’re still dwelling on the fact that someone was rude to them or unhelpful while they were trying to buy a snack or drink? Or, what if the songs played during free time are inappropriate and cause a camper confusion and they are dwelling on those negative thoughts rather than finding freedom in what God has to offer? See, every moment affects whether a student is open to receiving God or misses out on something because someone else was not intentional with serving the Lord.
When we take the time to be intentional in those behind the scenes moments, we’re not just serving the students. In that, we are truly serving the Lord because our heart is intent on making it as easy as possible for a student to get to the place that God always wanted to meet them at. The great thing is, this concept of life goes beyond the camp context.
You may feel like you’re currently not truly doing ministry. Maybe you’re discouraged because you’re questioning how your role is actually affecting the Kingdom of God. However, remember this, it’s the little moments that can either prepare or distract someone from all that He is trying to communicate to them. Are you being an assist in His plans or a hindrance? When you go intentionally into every moment, intent on serving the Lord and giving Him your best, you’re doing your part to assist in that plan.
Don’t be discouraged. God never said that ministry had to be preaching or singing. He instructed us to “go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19), and making disciples involves removing as many things that distract from Jesus as possible. When you’re working behind the scenes, you’re actively removing the distractions that you have control over. In that, you are a part of making disciples. Ministry is not a mold, ministry is not a formula. Ministry is a life dedicated to following Jesus and helping others follow Jesus.
As we’ve looked at what is means to serve God, have you gotten a new perspective on life? Maybe you are looking at your administrative role or friends or family relationships a little differently now. That’s a good thing. We always need to realize the necessity of being intentional. You make a difference in other’s lives. You may not realize it, and you may not notice it, but there is someone (and there are probably multiple someones) that you are changing their lives day by day.
Ask yourself these questions: Are you going to serve the Lord in everything you do and change their lives for the better? Or are you going to simply keep living life without considering the intentional serving that could have been taken with those moments? I know that I have been guilty of being unintentional with my actions before, but I’m trying to continually grow in that area. Now is the time to begin being intentional with every moment. How are you going to affect someone today?