Somebody excitedly called me a couple years ago (yeah, a couple years, it stuck with me) and said, "We'd like to make your family our ministry this Christmas season."And you know what?
I felt pretty lame...
....and really, really small.
Know what else? The girls and I were tremendously blessed through this person. I'm not hating. I realized at the time I had to move my pride out of the way and let someone help. I am still grateful. They did for me what I was unable to do.
Nonetheless, as Christmas is approaching, and we head out to the homeless shelters, etc. (Better yet, go do something nice for someone in October, too.) Please don't make someone feel like they are your ministry. Meet needs? Yes. Shower them with love? Yes. Be a friend? Yes. Disciple them? Yes!
Words, tact, and body language matter. Seems to me there is an air of separation when someone dubs another their ministry or service project.
Here's an interesting perspective....
Photo by Ballistik
4 comments:
Amen! It just seems contrived and unnatural...not that serving IS natural. Its just a bummer when it FEELS unnatural. Thanks for putting your thoughts on screen. I value what you say.
Thanks, Lindsey!
I can see this, and at the same time, I would love to be someone's ministry. Maybe missionaries can be family ministries, but your friends and neighbors should be loved on.
I agree, Jen. That would definitely come off differently for your situation!
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