Diakoneo

“Diakoneo” is a Greek word meaning “to serve.”  It has been translated into our contemporary word, “ministry.”

So often in our current vernacular the word ministry is used only to refer to those in vocational ministry, such as pastors or counselors, when in reality it is so much broader.  Diakoneo is the loving response of any child of God to divine love – it is God’s work in and through us as we touch others, heart-to-heart, with compassion and mercy.

Diakoneo is a lifestyle.  It is not limited by a particular pursuit or occupation, and, in fact, shows up most poignantly in the relationships closest to us.  Perhaps the home is where we have greatest opportunity to become selfless in our ministering, for there diakoneo is potentially non-stop: day to day to day, every hour, every minute.  There we are tested, tried, refined by the grit of adversity and struggle.  It is where we learn to submit to God practically as well as intellectually.

I see this more clearly than ever now.  Life is all about ongoing, constant reactions, initiatives. and motives.  Diakoneo has a lot to do with availability and humility.  Any other focus is futility.   

Matthew 20:26 – “…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant…”

I Peter 4:11 – “…If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ…”