Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Ordained Ministry: Call to be sacrifice

Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:7–16

Key verse:  7

"But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it." - Ephesians 4:7

DEVOTION

The grace that ordains a minister is not a promotion to comfort, but a call to the cross. In the world, advancement means climbing higher. In the Kingdom, ordination means bending lower. Christ grants this grace not as a crown of status, but as a commitment to serve, inviting leaders to become living sacrifices so the faith community can flourish.
Carrying the Heavy Load of Peace
To build a church "joined and held together," a leader must lay personal ambition on the altar of unity. "Bearing with one another" means actively showing patience, love and care to the community. Sacrificial leaders willingly absorb misunderstandings, critics, and growing pains to protect Christ’s peace. They choose the well-being of the believers over personal preference.
Weeping in Secret for His Presence
To lead others into an intimate knowledge of Jesus, ministers must sacrifice time in hidden, private intercession. You cannot give away an intimacy you have not personally wept for. It requires sacrificing the desire to look clever, relevant, or entertaining. The ordained leader trades intellectual praise for the simple, profound resolution to know nothing except Jesus Christ.
Standing as a Shield Against the Storms
Spiritual infants want comfort, but a mature body needs an anchor. Sacrificial ministry chooses biblical fidelity over cultural applause, even when the truth is unpopular. When deceptive doctrines blow, the leader stands as a human shield. They take the brunt of the storm to protect and stabilize vulnerable believers.
Dying to the Spotlight to Empower the Congregation
The ultimate sacrifice of leadership is giving up the need to be the center of attention. The call is not to do all the work, but to equip the believers to do it. It takes immense humility to pass the torch and step into the shadows. A sacrificial leader rejoices when the faith community succeeds, seeking no personal credit.
True sacrifice requires speaking the truth in love. Truth without love is cold; love without truth is weak. When combined, your life becomes a sweet-smelling offering. Ordination means being broken and poured out, but Christ will sustain you with His unmeasured grace.

PRAYER

 Lord, help us to be humble servants who fight for unity. Teach us to know You more, guide our ministries, and draw us closer to Your heart. Amen

Thought for the DAY

Ministry is not a platform for celebrity, but an altar of sacrifice to encourage all, just as Christ did.

Rev. Ashish Thomas George
Carmel Mar Thoma Church Boston

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