Back to: Equipped To Lead
Essential Practicals:
Marks Of A Minister
Is it possible to know if you, or someone else, is a true minister of God? How would you determine that? There are many who claim to be ministers of God, how do we know that they actually are? The Apostle Paul gives us the marks of his ministry to prove it is authentic in 2 Corinthians 6:4-10.
2 Corinthians 6:4-10, But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. (NKJV)
Take some time to seriously consider this list. It is quite different than we would normally think and it is very different than fake ministers will claim.
If we were to compile a list of proofs of ministry it would include things like: charisma, eloquent, success, memorized lots of Scripture, funny, big following, etc. Paul’s list is radically different.
Paul says enduring through great difficulty is one of ways that he commends himself as a minister of God. The proof is that even though there is severe pain, many problems, and intense pressure, he continues to be faithful to do what God called him to do.
The Holy Spirit working in his life and ministry is also evidence that he is a minister of God. The power of God is evident, and proves his ministry. Being poor, but serving others continually is another evidence. Persisting through slander, false accusations and personal attack as well as praise from men are more proofs.
God’s perspective on His ministers is way different than our perspective. His values are the opposite of man’s values. Do your spiritual leaders have these marks of true ministry? More importantly, can you commend yourself as a minister of God according to this list?