Proverbs
24:5-6 A
wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might, for by
wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is
victory.
I remember asking a dear
older Christian saint about her friends who were not Christians. She became
offended by the question and I was shocked by her reaction. Her reply to me was
“I have no non-Christian friends”. It is no wonder that we are realizing less
of an impact on our society. If we never talk to the world of people around us
we can be sure that the light of Christ will grow dimmer and dimmer.
Ministry to people is
something all Christians can do because we have the Holy Spirit, the Counselor,
dwelling within us. Whether they are believers needing encouragement or
unbelievers needing hope, you are able to do this. Start by listening to them;
care about their needs; be their friend. Most importantly you can pray for
them. Ask other people who have done this ministry to others for their wisdom
and help. And most importantly pray to God for your opportunities to impact
their lives for Christ.
St. Francis of Assisi prayed
for his life to impact others for Christ:
Lord, make me
an instrument of your peace.
where there
is hatred, let me sow love;
where there
is injury, pardon;
where there
is doubt, faith;
where there
is despair, hope;
where there
is darkness, light; and
where there
is sadness, joy.
O Divine
Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be
consoled as to console;
to be
understood as to understand;
to be loved
as to love.
For it is in
giving that we receive;
it is in
pardoning that we are pardoned;
it is in
dying that we are born to eternal life.
