Ministry Starts at Home

Jesus saved me. He saved me from my sin, He saved me from an eternity of separation from Him, and He saved me from myself. Jesus is my LORD, and He has called me to love others in the same way He loved, to serve in the same way He has served. But what exactly does that look like in our day-to-day lives?

Today I want to share with you a bit of my personal story.

Martha and I have been married for 35 years, but we have known each other for almost 39 years. Both of our parents are in their 80s and starting to slow down. Meanwhile, all three of our kids are now speeding up, getting married, and raising their own kids. It's an odd thing to live between – the letting go of your children so that you can increasingly serve your parents. And although Martha's folks live nearby for roughly eight months a year, my folks live 2300 miles away. The reality is that we can't serve them equally, but we do our best to serve them as they need it. And it isn't easy. But it's vitally important.

I know what you're thinking; Jim, what does that do with us living out our faith at work?

Here's the truth: we can be great, big Jesus followers at work, but if we neglect our family, it discounts our witness and testimony.

1 John 4:11-12 says, "Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us." In other words, the way that you love your family should be an extension, an expression of God's love for you. And if it isn't, then your life is not expressing the gospel in its fullness.

I remember when I was 13 years old, my Dad said, "Jim, it's all great the ministry stuff you are doing in the community, but I'll believe it's true when I see you living it out at home." So, next time you are contemplating if you should serve on a committee at church or the board of a non-profit or volunteer some hours at your favorite charity, first ask yourself, what is the condition of your family and how can you serve them like Jesus FIRST?

Learning how to honor God in all areas of our life, starting at home, is undeniably a challenge – the kind of challenge that takes a lifetime even to begin to figure out. But it's essential. If you are looking for some ways to begin, I highly suggest picking up a copy of iWork4Him. We wrote this book as a guide to help you get a jump start so that your testimony is powerful and effective in every sphere of your life – both work and home.

Jim

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!

The "iWork4Him Nation" Convenant - Tenet TWO

Looking for ways to serve those you work alongside above and beyond your job requirement.

Part of the iWork4Him Nation covenant is to look for ways to serve those that you work alongside, over and above your job requirement, not just what your job description tells you to do.

Why is this added to the iWork4Him nation covenant? Here's why.

If you are the kind of worker that only does what you're required to do, then how do you stand out among the pack? When you start to serve those you work alongside over and above what's required, your light starts to shine bright to those around you.

What are some of things you can do?

• Help out with extra projects, before or after work, maybe even work through lunch. Often we are surrounded by fellow coworkers who are overwhelmed by projects. There may be something you can do to lighten their load.

• Offer to straighten up a mess in the office, break room, or warehouse that has been ignored. Ask permission first. A clean work environment is a safe work environment and a more pleasant place to work.

• Are there things that need to be done but never get done because nobody takes the time? That can be your new extra task.

• Start serving and watch what God does with this.

For more help to live out your faith at work - join the iWork4Him Nation.

Galatians 5:13-14 (NLT)

13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. 14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!