Ministry = Good Works

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God 

Good works. Don’t shy away from these great biblical words. If they bother you, substitute the word “ministry” for them. They are one and the same thing. We were created in Christ to do them [Ephesians 2.10]. Ministry is designed to benefit others while God is glorified publicly. That’s what Matthew said, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” [5.16]. The author of Hebrews challenges the church to “stimulate one another to love and good deeds” when we come together for fellowship and worship [10.24].

A good deed is anything done in the name of the Lord. Giving a cup of water in the Lord’s name constitutes a good deed [Matthew 10.42]. Whatever the good work, large or small, it’s done in Jesus’ name so that HE receives the credit.

While we are blessed when we do ministry, it really is for the benefit of others, not ourselves. That’s why so many verses in the Bible talk about ministering to the poor and needy {See Deuteronomy 15.11 and Proverbs 19.17]. There’s an interesting passage in the letter to the Galatians that says we are to “share all good things” with those who instruct us [6.6].

Let’s not forget about ministry to the lost. The principle is the same; we share what we have received from God with those who desperately need the Gospel. While men can recover from earthly circumstances, there is no eternal solution outside of Jesus. 

It’s critical as we come together as the Body of Christ, that we encourage one another to good works. Our churches should be a place of ministry, not merely a place of gathering.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2.10