"Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. . . and with him Onesimus,. . . Aristarchus and Mark and Justus. Epaphras and Luke as well as Demas...and to Nympha. And say to Arcippus..."
Colossians 4:7-17(ESV)
Several years ago there was a quartet gospel song that had in its lyrics: "No one wants to play rhythm guitar behind Jesus. Everybody wants to be the lead singer in the band." How true. Especially in this day of superstar ministers. The media has made authorities out of men and women just because they are public. The stage has replaced the towel as the main tool of service for too many in the church.
Paul had a marvelous team who worked often behind the scenes to get the gospel message out. They helped him write. They delivered the letters to the various churches. They cared for him in prison. They started churches in their homes. They were the mostly ignored who will be the mostly recognized when we get to the final accounting.
It is time to measure the way Paul and Jesus did. The faithful in service are on God's screen. Not many will get the publicity that Paul garnered. (I would imagine he would have been glad to have less.) We all get to play a part in the marvelous project of proclaiming the greatest message ever.
Paul didn't forget. He gave credit to those who gave themselves with him. They made the book-the Bible. That is not a bad reputation. If we are smart we will notice those the camera misses and behold the real stars in the kingdom of God. And we will serve with diligence and excellence when given a chance to promote the gospel even if unnoticed. Listen to Paul's exhortation to his friend Archippus, "See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord." That is our charge also.
SYNERGY - Better Together: October 01, 2010 click for more > Five Pillars of New Testament Discipleship: : October 15, 2010 click for more > Family Reunion Retreat: December 03, 2010 click for more >
