Most of us think of the ministry as a profession. When we think of people who enter the ministry, we think of folks like pastors and rabbis. We may say that these jobs require a special “calling.”

But let’s consider the verb, “to minister.” One definition is “to give service, care, or aid; attend as to wants or necessities; to minister to the needs of the hungry.” Another definition is “to contribute, as to comfort or happiness.” Under those definitions, we are all called to minister to others.

I have to wonder what the world would be like if each of us made our lives a ministry. What if all our interactions  were focused on caring for or serving the other person? If that happened, we undoubtedly would have created heaven on earth.

Unfortunately, it is human nature to look at every interaction in a self-serving manner. What can I get from this person? Is he or she going to do or say something that will make me happy? The problem with that approach is that then our happiness is at the mercy of other people. We are only happy if the other person does or says something that is pleasing to us.

How often are we made unhappy by an unkind comment? How often are we upset by inconsiderate behavior? All too often. But that is because our focus isn’t to minister to other people. We are expecting them to minister to us.

It is far better to make your life a ministry. In each interaction, your focus should be on your own actions. How am I going to serve or care for this person at this moment? How am I going to provide this person with comfort?

So, in every relationship, our focus should not be on what the other person is providing to us. Our focus should be on what we are giving to that person. Now, the bad news is that unfortunately, this is not a recipe to get people to like you. I have been extremely kind and generous to people over the years, and some have still been upset with me about one thing or another. There simply are some folks who like to go through life being grouchy.

But their displeasure with me is neither here nor there. I cannot control the thoughts and reactions of other people. My only concern is whether my life is a ministry. Am I generous? Am I kind? Do I treat people politely and respectfully? If I do, then I am happy.

The key to making your life a ministry is to take great care in everything that you do. Don’t rush through activities. Don’t rush through your interactions with other people. Treat everything that you do as important.

For instance, cleaning a bathroom or vacuuming the floor is a ministry! You do that in service to your family. If you have a job in which you serve customers, you have a ministry. Your kindness toward a customer can transform that person’s day from a bad day to a good one.

Even emails and text messages are opportunities to minister to others. When you send them, take great care. Don’t use a harsh tone. When possible, send words of encouragement. Pay compliments – regularly! Likewise, use social media as a way to build others up. It shouldn’t simply be a way to advertise your own or your family’s achievements.

Every moment of your day can be a ministry if you choose to look at it that way. This week, consider how you can transform every interaction into an opportunity to care for another person. Do even your smallest tasks with love. Make your whole life a ministry and watch your happiness grow.

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Books: “The Secrets to Success for the Working Mother” by Meerabelle Dey (https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Success-Working-Mother/dp/1546329544 )