Ministry is messy.  People are broken and in desperate need of the Healer.

When I say ministry – don’t tune me out.  I don’t mean that it’s only messy for pastors or missionaries or Sunday school teachers.  Every Christ follower is called to a life of ministry: loving others, serving others, sharing the gospel.  The great commission is for all of us.  And it’s messy.

People are filled with shame, bitterness and disappointment.  They have tried to find their satisfaction in the things of this world and have been left with an emptiness that they simply do not know how to fill.

It’s really not that hard to understand.  The world has a lot of shiny things to offer.  For those not filled with the Holy Spirit, the glitter looks good even it if it isn’t gold.  The Bible says it this way…

One who is full loathes honey, but to one who is hungry everything bitter is sweet.  – Proverbs 27:7 ESV

There are only two options: you are either full or you are hungry.  The key, however, is that only God can truly fill us.

When we spend time in prayer, in Bible study and communion with God, we allow Him to fill us.  Then we are not interested in what the world offers – no matter how sweet it may appear.

Sadly, we often get too busy, too preoccupied, too tired to spend that time being filled.  We then wander out into the world hungry and, suddenly, everything seems sweet and desirable. We attempt to fill ourselves with material possessions, man’s praise and mundane pursuits.  Then, instead of feeling full and satisfied, we are left with the bitter aftertaste of disappointment and discouragement.

We need to fill ourselves with the Word and godly things.  It’s a dangerous thing to go out into the world with an emptiness inside.

We need to love our families well.  Fill them with love, respect and an understanding of who they are in Christ. Do not let them look to the world for their identity.

Be filled.  Then tell others how they can be filled, too.

*A word from the archives on this rainy evening.