A child was asked the famous question, "What do you want to be when you
grow up?" He replied, "I want to be a retired missionary." Evidently, he had
seen the respect and recognition given to elderly servants of the Lord, but
probably had little appreciation for what had gone on before.

Paul had "pulled his duty" and was an older man when he wrote to young
Timothy, "make full proof of thy ministry." Paul was telling Timothy to do
what he had done, that is, to finish the course, to fulfill the job that God
had given.

Ministry is the activity of a servant. A servant has no will of his own,
he must surrender to the will of another. A servant of the Lord does not
seek to please men, but God (Galatians 1;10). He puts the work of Christ
above his own life (Philippians 2:3). He does not preach what people want to
hear, but what God's Word says (1 Thessalonians 2:4). And yet, he esteems
others better than himself (Philippians 2:3) and his life is lived so that
others may be edified (Romans 15:2.)

This challenge is not only for those who serve in official capacities in
the local church, it is for all believers. It was once said, "If you are not
totally lost in the cause of Christ, you have never begun to live; you have
only existed selfishly." All believers should take to heart the challenge
given to Archippus, "Take heed to the ministry that thou hast received in the
Lord, that thou fulfill it" (Colossians 4:17)

Pastor Jon Bekemeyer