People

I have heard the statement many times through the years of ministry that "ministry would be easy if it wasn't for the people." Every time it is said it always gets at least a little chuckle. The real funny thing about that statement is that it is true. If all I had to do was prepare a worship service that would express how great Jesus is, that would be easy. But that in itself is not ministry. Oh it is a vital part of what I am called to do as the Associate Pastor of Worship, but that is far from what true ministry is.

The true definition of ministry is people. People are to be valued (not worshipped) but certainly recognized as valued.

So here is the question. How do we look at people...people in our local church body, people at work, people at the store and the malls, and even those on the street corners holding a sign that says "I will work for beer"?

The challenge...in the hustle and bustle of the season of this season, of course we want to exalt Christ above all the other trappings of Christmas. But we need to go further and love those store clerks and the people that cut in front of you in those long lines.

Most of you know that I am a Kenneth Cole clothes nut. Well we don't have a Kenneth Cole store where I am, so I go over to Dallas to the Kenneth Cole store. Well over a two year period, I am on a first name basis with all that work there. There is Ken, Bernard, Josh, Emberly (wow Emberly...there is a story and half), Stephen, and Kelek. Periodically I will stop and buy them a Starbucks card for the store to go get something together, or most like chocolate, so I bring them a box. I truly believe that one day they will all know Jesus.

So how will we bless people today?

Love you.