This is from a short devotional I gave at a recent ministry leadership meeting

What does it mean to “do life together with Jesus”? What does it mean for the individual and what does it mean for ministry?

1 Thessalonians 2:8 says:

“So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us.” (NRSV)

When it comes to the work of the church, ministry’s need to become more than simply a provider of goods and services for people to consume. They need to become vehicles, outlets, and doorways for “doing life together with Jesus”!

This starts with care. Paul states that they (him and his ministry companions) desire to share they lives with the Thessalonians not out of some obligation, but because they have a deep care for them. Other versions of this scripture say it was because “we loved you so much”.

Before a ministry or minister can truly offer a “cure” we must have a “care”. Otherwise we may become like a doctor who only cares about the science and practice of medicine and not about helping people be well.

One way to do this is to become less busy and more connected.

Ministry is not about activities it is about relationships. Yes, activity can be a vehicle for relationship building, but it should not become the primary focus. Doing LIFE together with Jesus is the focus.

Jesus set this example for us.

Paul also gives us an example of this when he writes to his protege Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:10-11:

“Now you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecution and my suffering…” (NRSV)

I would argue that ministry like this can only happen when we commit to “do life together with Jesus.”

So what does it mean?

Doing - it is active and intentional
Life - it is holistic and involves every aspect of daily living
Together - it is done in community and with a heart of unity
with Jesus - it is centered on Jesus and on becoming more like Him by following Him

Let’s do life together with Jesus so the people around us not only come to know the gospel but experience it!

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