How Are You Ministering? Living Out Ephesians 4:12 in Daily Life

Ephesians 4:12 (KJV):

“For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:”

Did you know that your life in Christ is not just a destination but a journey? Praise the Lord that Jesus did all the work necessary for our salvation. We could never have saved ourselves. Yet, our Christian life does not end at salvation. It begins there.

Once we are saved, we are called to grow, mature, and serve. We are called to follow Jesus daily. We are called to be like Him in our thoughts, words, and actions.

We Are His Workmanship

Ephesians 2:10 (KJV):

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

This verse reminds us that good works do not save us, but rather we are saved to do good works. God has prepared a life for each of us that is meant to display His love and grace to a broken world.

Living a Christlike life is not a checklist or a ritual. It is a way of life. It should shape how we treat our families, our neighbors, and even strangers. It should show up in how we talk, how we spend our time, and how we handle conflict.

Growing in Spiritual Maturity

Our spiritual life should never be stagnant.

As we grow in faith, God gives us opportunities to serve. He places us in ministries—sometimes big, sometimes small. Whether it’s teaching children, singing in the choir, cleaning the church, or encouraging a struggling friend, all ministry matters.

Sadly, too many churches see the same pattern. A small handful of people do most of the work. You may have heard this: “20% of the congregation does 80% of the ministry.”

If this statistic is true in your church, it should grieve you. It should challenge all of us to ask:

• Am I doing my part?
• How am I ministering to others?
• Am I using my gifts for the good of the body of Christ?

Are We Sharing the Gospel?

Another troubling statistic is that only 2% of believers actively share the gospel with unbelievers. Think about that. Jesus gave us the Great Commission. He commanded us to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). Yet, many Christians have never told a single person about Jesus.

Why? Sometimes it’s fear. Sometimes it’s pride. Sometimes we feel unprepared. But Jesus promised to be with us as we go. He did not ask us to do it alone.

Friend, the world is desperate for the Good News. We have it. Let’s not keep it to ourselves.

A Glorious Church

Ephesians 5:27 (KJV):

“That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.”

God desires His church to be holy and blameless. But a holy church is not built overnight. It is the result of saints being perfected day by day. It happens when we humble ourselves, repent often, forgive quickly, and love deeply.

Too often, believers become proud. We think we have life figured out. We become unteachable. We refuse correction. We get stuck in our ways and resist new opportunities to grow or serve.

But Jesus gave us a better example.

Christ’s Example of Humility

Philippians 2:8 (KJV):

“And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

Jesus—the Son of God—humbled Himself. He washed the feet of His disciples. He touched lepers. He ate with sinners. He spoke gently to the brokenhearted. Then, He gave His life for us on the cross.

If He humbled Himself to that extent, what excuse do we have for our pride?

True Christlikeness means serving others, not seeking to be served. It means listening more than we speak. It means being willing to admit we are wrong and learn from others.

How Can You Minister Today?

Here are some practical ways you can step into ministry right where you are:

✅ Pray daily for opportunities.

Ask God to show you someone who needs encouragement, help, or a listening ear.

✅ Get involved in your local church.

Don’t wait for someone to ask you. Volunteer to help where there is a need—nursery, kitchen, cleaning crew, outreach, music, or greeting.

✅ Look for ways to serve your family.

Ministry starts at home. Are you patient with your spouse and children? Do you serve them joyfully?

✅ Share your faith.

Ask God for boldness to share the gospel with a friend, coworker, or neighbor. Invite someone to church.

✅ Stay teachable.

Seek wise counsel. Read God’s Word daily. Attend Bible studies. Be humble enough to accept correction when needed.

✅ Encourage others to grow.

Disciple someone younger in the faith. Meet regularly to read the Bible and pray together.

A Few Final Thoughts

You do not need a seminary degree to minister. You do not need a title or position. You simply need a willing heart and a humble spirit.

God can use anyone who is willing to be used. He delights in using ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

Reflection and Prayer

• How are you ministering today?
• Are you part of the 20% doing the work, or have you been watching from the sidelines?
• Are you too proud to serve in lowly tasks?
• Will you humble yourself like Jesus and minister with a servant’s heart?

Pray and ask God to show you where He wants you to serve. Be obedient when He opens the door. And remember—every act of service, no matter how small, brings glory to Him and builds up His church.

Lord, help us to be faithful servants. Help us to follow Your example of humility and love. May our lives reflect Your grace and truth. Show us how to minister to others today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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