Helpful...

One of the prominent characteristics that develop in us when we truly submit to Christ, is that the prime motivation in our life becomes one to help others. Not building ones own kingdom, but as one of the many who are the Body of Christ, contributing to the growth of the kingdom of Jesus upon the earth, by doing the will of the Father, as communicated by the Holy Spirit. Jesus taught us to pray: Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. And he wants to start with your heart, your life, your job, your relationships, your interests.

Ironically, when your motivation moves away from simply fulfilling religious obligations, but seeking out God for his unique, personal purpose for you, you will find that God will continually place others in your path. The closer your walk with the Lord, the more practical use to him and others you will also become. For closeness to God does not result in an ascetic existence, but rather in reaching out into the community as God leads - and he will lead!

Ephesians 4:11-12 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

The problem is that in the church, we often have separated 'ministry' from the rest of life. This fits the pattern of a Greek way of thinking embedded in our culture, where the different aspects of our life are compartmentalised: family, work, culture, politics, religion, etc. This results in “spiritually” being Christian, while in economics or politics or sports or at home being a pagan and therefore being of no use to Jesus, the community or others.

The Jewish way however, the pattern on which the Bible is based, is operated on a 'whole of life' basis.

Proverbs 4: 23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

Everything I do comes from my heart, the “wellspring of life", the central control centre of my being, and if Jesus is in control of everything that comes from this “wellspring”, everything I do should meet the standards of God and therefore be Kingdom work and helpful to God, community, ecology and other people.

We must understand that our life for the Lord incorporates the whole of our life, not just the supposed, 'spiritual side'. In everything we do we seek his honour and everything we do should build up the people of Christ and everything we do must become “works of service”.

Such is the way of the kingdom: Matthew 20:25-: Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

and

Romans 12: 1 – 2: Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies (your whole life!) as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

May we too give our lives, everything we do, everything we are, to Jesus and to what is beneficial and constructive for others.