Where is your glory and joy?

1 Thessalonians 2:19-20
For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
For ye are our glory and joy.

Where is your glory and joy? I believe every person involved in ministry should occasionally ask themselves this question! A few weeks ago a senior ranking Chaplain asked me a similar question.

We were shaking hands with hundreds of Infantry soldiers one Sunday morning. Chaplain approached me with a puzzled look on his face! He asked me if I ever missed my local church? I quickly answered him by saying; "No, I am there most Sunday evenings!" He told me he was missing the fellowship and instruction of his particular church. He was tired of being in the chapel week in and week out. I think he no longer realized that he could be a blessing and be used mightily by God in this ripe harvest field.

This Chaplain had lost his glory and joy for the people he was assigned to minister to. I examined my own heart to make sure my own heart was in the right place. I think I can echo the words in our verse.

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing?

Often I joke with my wife, especially during a long activity serving the Lord, I ask her, "Why are we doing this?" When the bones ache, the head hurts, when you prepare, and rush to be in place to only be disappointed when no one shows up. When you try to do good, and bless others and hit head on with someone that can stop your efforts. This is the best time to ask:

"What is our hope?" With the call of God on our life, we also get the answer to this question. God provides different motivation to each of his children.

"What is our joy?" I believe there are many servants that serve without joy! I, for one enjoy the ministry and certain aspects brings more joy than other aspects.

"What is our crown of rejoicing?" I was presenting our ministry burden to a church, Someone from the church sent a comment to my mission board that all I talked about was the Military and how I could tell them about the Lord. They thought this was a criticism, I thought it was a complement. My personal crown of rejoicing is seeing military men make Jesus Christ their savor. It would do each of us to answer this question daily!

The Apostle gives us his own answer. He reminds the listeners and his own heart that they;

Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming.

For a soul winner, we should take great comfort that we introduced some to our Lord Jesus Christ. It amazes me to think that when I get to introduce a soul to the redeeming power of the Lord Jesus Christ it allows that soul to dwell in the presence of God. Because of my call from God to serve him, I get to bring my friends to him and they get to hang around the Lord Jesus Christ on their own, How cool is that. I get excited to see others love my Lord and then see them serve him as I do!

I take great pride in the fact that many soldiers I introduced to the Lord will stand at attention to honor Jesus Christ at his coming. I have a hard time accepting the responsibility that lays before me. I get to guide others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and they get to spend all eternity in his presence! It is good to ask myself "Why do I do this?"

If that is not enough motivation to go out and lead someone to the Lord, the next few words tie it up nicely.

For ye are our glory and joy.

My glory and joy is directly tied to the soldiers that pass through Fort Benning! I am blessed to be in this place and even in the times it gets hard I can not think that there is any better place to serve.

Can you fill in the blank: For ______ are our glory and joy!