Be passionate in whatever you do for God.

Charles Simeon was a pastor of Trinity Church in Cambridge, England, for forty-nine years. One afternoon his friend Joseph asked him how he had surmounted persecution and outlasted all the great prejudice against him in his many years of ministry. He said to Joseph:

My brother, we must not mind a little suffering, for Christ’s sake. When I am getting through a hedge, if my head and shoulders are safely through, I can bear the pricking of my legs.

Charles’s passion for ministry for Christ’s sake was so intense that he didn’t mind the difficulties and persecution he encountered. When faced with challenging situations and opposition, even from within the members of the Christian circle, our typical response is; if that’s how they treat or feel about me, let me find another church and get out of this place!

Reflecting on Paul’s life, my mind is blown, and I am overwhelmed about how on earth one would encounter such hardships but still remain passionate about ministry. Scourges, Shipwrecks, bitten by a poisonous snake, beaten to the point of death, among others. I am encouraged to do more for Christ. Why? It’s worthwhile!

The two examples above are a reminder and an encouragement to us that, for Christ’s sake, we should be willing to do ministry even in the face of opposition.
Being passionate about ministry doesn’t mean being active when things are okay when resources are available, and while we are healthy. It implies in whatever circumstances we are in, both favorable and unfavorable, we’ve got to keep our heads and shoulders up and do, with all our hearts, what we ought to do for Christ’s sake to enhance ministry.
2 TIMOTHY(NLT) 4:2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

Unfortunately, to the believers, Christianity means persecution, not being loved, and various kinds of trouble, among others. The good news is that our motivation comes from the fact that there’s a reward, a future hope, which is an eternity with God.

Be passionate in whatever you do for God.

PHILIPPIANS (ESV)2:14-15 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.