But Martha was worrying over the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, "Lord, doesn't it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me."

But the Lord said to her, "My dear Martha, you are so upset over all these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it—and I won't take it away from her."

(Luke 10:40–42 NLT)

In developing an attitude that will contribute to the longevity of an armorbearer, it is important never to lose sight of the people behind the work. This thought came from one of our computer operators who sat day after day keying information for the ministry into the computer. She said the Lord had helped her not to just type in name after name, but to be concerned about these people and to pray for them. You must not let what you do in the church become just another job.

Church workers must get a revelation of the people involved. They must know that they are working for people, loving people, and daily giving their lives for people, all of whom God loves. Without people, there would be no churches. People are the reason we are called to work in the Kingdom.

For example, it takes a lot of work to get ready for the annual Campmeeting at Agape Church. For me, sometimes the best feeling about Campmeeting came when it was over! But, that was a wrong attitude, and it arose because I let myself get caught up in all of the work and responsibility. My focus was not on people.

I am sure there were times when the disciples felt the same way, perhaps after Jesus fed thousands of men with loaves and fishes, not counting the women and children. When those meals were over and the leftovers gathered up in baskets, I expect that the disciples were glad it was over. But just think, they had a part in a wonderful miracle.

That is what you must always think: here is an opportunity to minister to more people, and God is letting me have a part.

If you get upset at all of the work you have to do, then you need to judge your heart's attitude. It could be that you are losing sight that people are the reason for the work. Never forget: all of that work you do as an armorbearer is changing people's eternal destiny—a privilege that is definitely worth the effort.

Developing the Spirit of an Armorbearer

  • Today, in the midst of your busyness, stop yourself and focus on the people around you, the people you work for, the people who benefit from what you do. Thank God for the opportunity to impact their lives.
  • Make it a point to pray for each person you come into contact with. The prayers don't have to be lengthy ones, but taking a moment to focus on each person's needs will help you keep in perspective the reason you do what you do.
Heavenly Father, people are what make Your heart sing. They are the reason You do all that You do. Help me never to lose sight of that in my service as an armorbearer. It is so easy to get caught up in my to-do list, deadlines, and putting out fires; but the people are the primary thing. Help me to be a blessing to my leader, my coworkers, and the people I serve. Amen.
Source: God's Armorbearer Devotional by Terry Nance
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers