What Motivates You To Do Ministry? Part 2 (26:10)

In this passage we see the true heart and motivation of the Apostle Paul as he serves the Thessalonian church.

6b As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, 7but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. 8We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. 9Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.

10You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. I Thess 2:6b-12

As an Apostle, Paul had the right to receive support from the people he served, but instead chose to support himself to free them of this responsibility. Instead of lording his position over them, he served them with compassion of a mother and the guidance of a father - putting their needs above his own! His heart for the people would be very rare in today's world! He lived among them and shared his very life with them, yet lived a holy, righteous and blameless life before them. In verse 12 we see his heart for the Thessalonians to encourage them, comfort them and see them live lives worthy of God

Reflection Questions:
Is that what you want for the people you serve? Do you want to see them encouraged, comforted and living worthy lives or are you just concerned about what they can do for you or the ministry? Do you walk and live among the people that you serve or do you stand apart from them, giving orders?
As a ministry leader, are you more concerned about the people's needs or your needs?
Do you serve the people you lead with the heart of a mother or father?

Let's Pray: Lord Thank you for the privilege of serving people as a leader. Forgive me for the times when I lead out of selfishness, pride or other wrong motivations. Help me to lead with the compassion of a mother or father, with a desire to see your people encouraged, comforted and living lives worthy of God In Jesus Name! Amen!