running as a ministry

"Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds."

This is commonly misidentified as the creed of our mail carriers, but actually it is just the inscription found on the General Post Office in New York City at 8th Avenue and 33rd Street.  This inscription was supplied by William Mitchell Kendall of the firm of McKim, Mead & White, the architects who designed the New York General Post Office. Kendall said the sentence appears in the works of Herodotus and describes the expedition of the Greeks against the Persians under Cyrus, about 500 B.C. The Persians operated a system of mounted postal couriers, and the sentence describes the fidelity with which their work was done.     

I pondered this unofficial "motto" of the USPS this morning as I ran in the cold rain with my TEAM413 jacket with " I can do all things through Christ" boldly emblazoned on the back. Like the Post Office, our members also work through obstacles to bring the message.  But this message is more important than anything the post office can deliver.  We are a ministry of athletes on a mission to spread the message of salvation to all those we encounter in our path.  And, that, requires treating that calling with the "fidelity" the postal carriers of BC and present time use to complete their task.

Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.

fi•del•i•ty

Pronunciation: (fi-del'i-tē, fī-), [key]
—n.,
—pl. -ties.
1. strict observance of promises, duties, etc.: a servant's fidelity.
2. loyalty: fidelity to one's country.
3. conjugal faithfulness.
4. adherence to fact or detail.
5. accuracy; exactness: The speech was transcribed with great fidelity.


The definition of a strict observance of duties (a servant's fidelity) is exactly what is expected of us as we strive to do the job God called us to do.  Acts 22:15 says "You are to take his message everywhere, telling the whole world what you have seen and heard."  As servants of Christ, that job description doesn't get any plainer than that.  While we aren't paid as the world deems is appropriate for laborers, we can be assured that our reward will be greater than anything this world can offer us.  2 Chronicles 15:7 offers us this promise, "But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."  And Luke 6:23 promises "Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven."

So.... this is a daily job.  Vow daily wherever you go and with whoever you meet to be the servant God is calling you to be.  And "take his message everywhere, telling the whole world what you have seen and heard."  And, yes, this may require running a race that seems too far or running in weather that seems unbearable.  He will see you through.  Stand on His promises good and faithful servant!!!!