THE FOCUS OF THE ASSIGNMENT

In my first year in full-time ministry, I asked my grandpa in the faith a simple question: “Sir, if you are to start ministry all over again, what will be your three major priorities?” 

He responded with a question, “Son, are you trying to buy land now?” I told him, “No, sir”. He asked another, “Are you trying to buy a new car?” Again, I responded in the negative. I wondered what was happening when he asked a third question, “Are you trying to build a church now?” I said, “No, sir.” 

He then answered me, “Son, if I am to start ministry all over again, my three major priorities will be: First, build the people. Second, build the people. Third, build the people”. I am sure he saw my puzzled look. He added, “The people you build will return to buy the land, build a church and buy the cars. Just build the people”. 

Beloved, ministry is serving people in the name of the Lord. Ministry must be about obeying the one who has called you and impacting the lives you have been sent to. 

The ministry of Jesus was about impacting lives also: 

After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out;

Luke 8:1-2 NIV

The lives that had been impacted became channels of blessing to Jesus and the ministry: 

Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples.

Luke 8:3 NLT

What impact are you making with your life? Thank God for your structured income (salary or business profits), but do you know that God can also bless you through other means? 

There is impact income. There is a time when lives that your life and assignment have blessed return with a thank you. But the question is, “Who are you a blessing to?” 

A believer who lives in the consciousness of divine assignment will not become a stylish beggar during festive seasons with a status update like, “It is my birthday, and no one is asking for my account number” or “This is Christmas and I have not seen you show the love of Christ to me.” 

If you take your assignment seriously, you will be surprised how God will bless you. Listen, the primary purpose of the assignment is to please the one who has sent you. However, the assignment has blessings attached to it. 

No impact will mean no blessings. 

Low impact will mean low blessings.

High impact will produce huge blessings. 

God cannot be mocked. If you are lazy with the assignment, the field of the lazy also produces something- weeds. 

Take your eyes off what people have. Focus on the work. Do not have a sense of entitlement. Do the work. Focus. Do not get offended because you blessed lives and they did not show appreciation; do more. It is a trap. Men cannot reward you. God rewards you if you do the work: 

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.

Revelation 22:12 NKJV

Beloved, do the work. May we not lose our reward here on earth and in eternity. Grace.

© temilOluwa Ola, Eruwa