Faces of Love

(2 Samuel 24:24 KJV) And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing.

When I read this scripture I am reminded that there is a lot more to ministry and dedication than just standing behind a pulpit speaking to a captive audience. It is almost as though the only recognized ministry today is “pulpit ministry” for which one is being paid.

This interpretation of ministry is totally different than what David was trying to communicate. David could not bear the thought of giving God anything that did not cost him something. His service and ministry was one of love, and the only price tag was what it cost him. I wonder how many would actually be in the ministry today if they had to pay for the privilege.

Occasionally I meet someone who actually has the “David kind of love and philosophy” for ministry. When I do meet such folks I always feel convicted and immediately begin examining my own heart and motives.

Yesterday I called to visit my little sister. Her family sort of adopted me into their home when I was a kid. She has always been very loving and quick to compliment what I do in the ministry. When I finished sharing some of the things that were going on in my own ministry, she said “I have a little ministry too, but it is small compared to yours.”

For the next few minutes I quietly listened as she humbly told me of this incredible heartwarming ministry that she and her husband are involved in. While listening to her I realized that she and her husband surely had the David type of anointing and philosophy for ministry.

She has already made (stitched with love) a hundred and sixty blankets, and has given them to different ones in her church. Her blankets are commonly known as “Shirley Blankets” because they are warm blankets of love.

She also buys Christian novels and gives them to those who love to read, but cannot always afford to buy books. At this point she has bought and given away two hundred novels.

Her husband is also in the “love ministry” as well. He has honey bee hives and gives away his honey as a love offering for his part of the ministry. How creative can two people be?

This may not be practical, but it would certainly seem fitting for all Bible school and seminary students to be able to graduate only if they can pass this one final test. That test would be to follow Shirley and Bob around for a year and learn how to minister under the David type of anointing.

The question is, “How many would leave the ministry if they had to pay for the privilege?” Wow!

Father,

Help us to always be sensitive in serving You by serving others. Help us not to expect to be paid for everything we do in the name of Christ. Teach us also to be creative in showing our love for You like my little sister and her husband, Shirley and Bob.

Amen