For You

For You

“For You.” Big words. We use these two big words in big ways. “This is only ‘for you.’” “I wouldn’t do this for anyone else, but I would do this ‘for you.’” Our brother Paul used these two big words in his letter to the Ephesians. “If indeed you have heard of the administration of God’s grace which was given to me for you.” (Ephesians 3:2) WOW. Paul was convinced that he had been made a manager of God’s grace. Let that soak in for just a moment.

Those of us who preach and minister are not just recipients of God’s grace, we are managers of the grace of our God. But the big kicker is, it’s not for us, it is for others. Probably all of us have talked about the fact that our preaching is not to be about us. Here, Paul spells it out. It’s for others. What if we viewed every facet of our preaching and ministry as if it is for others? Is it possible that this alone could motivate us, could help us want to keep going, even during the most difficult seasons?

Studying the Word – “For You”

Praying about our Sermons and Bible Classes – “For You”

Visiting the sick and the Shut-in – “For You”

Providing Meals for those who are Hurting – “For You”

Comforting the Broken-hearted – “For You”

Counseling People with messed-up Lives – “For You”

Spending time with Families – “For You”

Handling Weddings and Funerals – “For You”

Attending Elder’s Meetings – “For You”

Late-Night Emergencies – “For You”

Serving in our Communities – “For You”

Teaching Bible Classes – “For You”

Evangelistic Bible Studies – “For You”

Preaching the Truth in Love – “For You”

Spending time in Prayer – “For You”

It is possible that this “For You” heart will not only make a difference in the church and in the world, it might also change the way we view or life and ministry!