they made me the keeper of the vineyards
William MacDonald warns believers to prioritize nurturing their own families and personal spiritual lives before becoming overly consumed with ministering to others.
In this sermon, William MacDonald explores the biblical metaphor of being the keeper of the vineyards to highlight the importance of prioritizing one’s own family and personal spiritual health. Drawing from Scripture, he teaches that while evangelism is vital, believers must not neglect their closest relationships. Through practical examples and biblical references, MacDonald encourages a balanced approach to ministry that begins at home.
Text
“…they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept.” (Song of Solomon 1:6b)
The brothers of the Shulamite maiden had sent her to work in the vineyard. She kept so busy tending the vines that she neglected her own vineyard, that is, her personal appearance. Her skin had become swarthy and dried, and no doubt her hair was unkempt.
There is always the danger of neglecting our own vineyard by becoming overly occupied with someone else’s. There is the peril, for instance, of becoming so engrossed with the evangelization of the world that one’s own family is lost. If God gives us children, those children are our number one mission field. When we stand before the Lord, one of the greatest joys will be to be able to say, “Behold, I and the children which God hath given me” (Heb. 2:13). Not all the accolades from appreciative audiences will compensate for the loss of our own sons and daughters.
It does seem from the Scriptures that responsibility begins at home. After Jesus had driven the demons out of Legion, He charged him, “Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee” (Mark 5:19). It often seems that the most difficult place to evangelize is in our own backyard, but that is where we should start.
Again when the Lord commissioned His disciples, He said, “…both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Begin in “Jerusalem” (your home base)!
Andrew was determined not to neglect his own vineyard. We read of him, “He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ” (John 1:41).
There are, no doubt, cases where a believer is faithful in seeking to win his loved ones to the Lord Jesus, and yet they persist in their unbelief. We cannot guarantee the eternal salvation of our relatives and friends. But what we must guard against is the possibility of being so preoccupied in ministering to others that we neglect our own family circle. Our own vineyard, in such cases, should have priority.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to the metaphor of the vineyard
- The danger of neglecting one's own vineyard
- The example of the Shulamite maiden
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II
- The priority of family in God’s plan
- Biblical examples emphasizing starting ministry at home
- The joy of presenting one’s children to the Lord
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III
- The challenge of evangelizing one’s own family
- Andrew’s example of winning his brother to Christ
- Balancing outreach with family responsibility
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IV
- Acknowledging that salvation is ultimately God’s work
- Guarding against neglecting family while ministering to others
- Practical application of prioritizing one’s own vineyard
Key Quotes
“There is always the danger of neglecting our own vineyard by becoming overly occupied with someone else’s.” — William MacDonald
“If God gives us children, those children are our number one mission field.” — William MacDonald
“Begin in ‘Jerusalem’ (your home base)!” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Prioritize nurturing and evangelizing your own family before expanding your ministry to others.
- Maintain a healthy balance between serving others and caring for your personal spiritual life.
- Remember that salvation is God’s work, but faithful witness within your closest relationships is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'keeper of the vineyards' mean in this sermon?
It symbolizes the responsibility believers have to care for others’ spiritual needs while not neglecting their own personal and family spiritual health.
Why is family ministry emphasized as a priority?
Because Scripture shows that responsibility begins at home, and God desires that believers first nurture and evangelize their own families.
Can we guarantee the salvation of our family members?
No, salvation is ultimately God’s work, but believers must faithfully witness and care for their loved ones.
What biblical examples support starting ministry at home?
Jesus’ charge to the healed demon-possessed man to tell his friends and Andrew bringing his brother Simon to Christ are key examples.
How can believers avoid neglecting their own vineyard?
By maintaining balance in ministry efforts and ensuring family and personal spiritual growth are not overlooked.