Ministry in the gospel is not for the selfish, the stingy, or the faint of heart. Preaching Christ is no task for those seeking ease, nor for those with thin skin. It is not a calling for those who take themselves too seriously, but for those who take the Lord seriously. To serve Him in the church and in the world requires selflessness, a heart ready to love all men, desiring salvation for every soul encountered. Paul wrote, “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more.” (1 Corinthians 9:19, NASB). Whatever prejudices we hold must be laid aside, for the call to gospel ministry is a call to love without condition.

But make no mistake—ministry will test you. It will press, stretch, and refine you. At times, it may feel like a Cuisinart, slicing and dicing those who proclaim the gospel. Affliction will come in many forms, and yet, we are assured that God sustains us. “But we have this treasure in earthen containers, so that the extraordinary greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:7-9, NASB). The joy of Christ strengthens us, making endurance possible.

So why continue in what often seems like a thankless, perilous work?

First, because we desire to reveal Christ. “For we who live are constantly being handed over to death because of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our mortal flesh.” (2 Corinthians 4:11, NASB). The sufferings we endure become a canvas upon which the beauty of Christ is displayed.

Second, for the sake of others. “So death works in us, but life in you.” (2 Corinthians 4:12, NASB). Ministry is never about personal comfort—it is about bringing the grace of God to those who need it most. Paul reminds us, “For all things are for your sakes, so that grace, having spread to more and more people, will cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:15, NASB).

Lastly, because it glorifies God. If even one soul is led into His marvelous light, if even one heart turns in thanksgiving to the Lord, then every hardship is worth it.

I have served Christ for over forty years, and as James Taylor sang, “I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain.” I have known sunny days, and I have known dark nights. But if ministry means discomfort for a little while, so be it. The reward far outweighs the cost. “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18, NASB).

The unseen makes it all worthwhile. Amen.

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Kenneth Beaton