ROMANS 11:13

“But I am speaking to you who are Gentiles. Therefore, insofar as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I magnify my ministry”

I had a conversation last week with a friend about making plans for the next few years. As I approach retirement age, I am looking ahead to backing off on my ministry obligations and focusing more on my family, especially my wife. This friend reminded me that my first ministry is to my family. I know that and have tried to maintain the proper priorities in my life. But as I look toward these next few years, I know I need to reprioritize that first ministry even more. I need to honor it as God does.

At first glance, if you just read today’s verse in English, you may think Paul is bragging about his ministry. He said, “I magnify my ministry.” Now, I’ve seen some pretty proud ministers in my life, but this is NOT what Paul is saying. I don’t usually lean on the New International Version, but in this case, I like how it puts this statement. It says, “I take pride in my ministry.” That’s the thought behind Paul’s statement. He was proud and honored to be the apostle to the Gentiles.

APPLICATION

The Greek word used here for “magnify” is a fairly commonly used word in the New Testament, occurring 62 times. It is most often translated as “glorify.” One great example of this word is found in John 13:31-32. “31 Therefore when he had left, Jesus said, ‘Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him; 32 if God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and will glorify Him immediately.” Five times this word is used in these two verses. Listen closely. Everything we do should be done to glorify the Father. Any ministry He has given us is for His glory, not ours.

Who are you glorifying today? Are you taking pride in what you have accomplished? Now, there is nothing wrong with having pride for your accomplishments, as long as you give credit to the One who made it all possible. Taking pride in your ministry, honoring the work God has given you to do, is important. By doing that you will strive to do your very best.

Martin Luther King Jr. famously urged that if a person is called to be a street sweeper, they should sweep streets so well that “all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, here lived a great street-sweeper who did his job well.” Let your work glorify God. Let your ministry efforts have the right priority, just as I am reevaluating my own. Glorify the One who deserves all the glory and honor.

You alone are worthy of glory and honor, O God. Let my work bring glory to You. 

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