In the business world, the bottom line is the last line of a financial statement that shows profit and loss. It is about whether the company is earning or losing money.
And, as they say, the bottom line is the bottom line.
Every field of life and labor has a bottom line.
In business, it is making money, earning profits and increasing revenue. In education, it is passing tests, making grades or earning a degree. In sports, it is winning games, awards and championships. Everything has a bottom line.
What is the bottom line of Christian ministry?
You would think the answer to this question would be assumed. A ground ball. A no-brainer. Unfortunately, many pastors and churches suffer from an identity crisis, a lack of gospel mission and misplaced priorities.
We need to get back to the basics.
In 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handing the word of truth” (ESV).
The bottom line of Christian ministry is to please God in everything you do.
Ultimately, the only thing that truly matters is whether or not you will be able to end your ministry by hearing the Lord say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21).
God-pleasing ministry requires personal earnestness.
Paul instructs, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved” (2 Tim. 2:15a). Christian ministry deserves your best. You should live and minister with the blood-earnest conviction that if it bears God’s name, it deserves your best.
