By Bill D. Whittaker
Our ministry will never be vain—hollow, empty, meaningless—when it is grounded on God in Jesus Christ. With that grounding we can stand the trails and speak the truth.
What’s a second way we can help keep our ministry from being vain? Give your ministry to people (vv.7-12). This passage breathes with the life of interpersonal relationships. Nothing here of an “I’m in the study, I don’t have time for people” attitude. Notice the phrases: “among you” in verses 7 and 10 and “every one of you” in verse 11. Ministry unconcerned for and uninvolved with people isn’t a Christian ministry.
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However, we can spend much time with people and still end up with a hollow, vain work. The Apostle cites his example and the Thessalonians’ observance of his approach as a vindication of his missionary character and ministry. These verses reflect key characteristics of ministry to people. I see them as a spiritual pyramid that the Holy Spirit uses to influence our world with the gospel and make a lasting difference.
Love the people you serve. (7-8,11) Jesus said others will know we are his disciples if we have love for one another. I recently heard a faithful church member share his grief over seeing Christians mistreat other Christians. Henry Blackaby at the Kentucky Baptist Shepherding the Shepherd conference, reminded shepherds to care for the sheep — even the sheep who disagree with you. In his years as pastor in Canada, he said the church never lost a member. He was quick to go and show love, especially in times of disagreement.
I’ve seen too much of this “my way or the highway” leadership style. In a section on spiritual gifts, I Corinthians declares the “more excellent way “ is love. Love like Christ — it flows from being grounded in Him.
See the balanced love in this ministry example: verse 7 — like a nursing mother and verse 11 — like a caring father. See how love manifests itself in ministry relationships: gentle, cherishes, affectionately longing. A similar word is used of Jesus in Ephesians 5:29: the Lord “nourishes and cherishes the church.” Would we have as many leaving the church if we drew them closer when they came into the church? A ministry given to people nourishes and cares for them, especially in those days when they are most open and receptive for growth.