"I urge you, brethren--you know the household of Stephanas, that is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints--that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us." (1 Corinthians 16:15-16)
Not much is known about these first Christians from the church of Achaia (Asia) but when they came to visit Paul at Corinth, they were such an encouragement to him. In v. 18 Paul says "For they refreshed my spirit."
The one thing that Paul says, that really encouraged him was "They have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints." And Paul goes on to admonish the Christians at Corinth to do likewise.
Well, what does this say to us as the church of Christ today? Shouldn't we be about this same endeavor? Shouldn't the devotion to the ministry of the saints, be the work we are to be involved in as well? How many of us as Christians in our churches today, scratch our heads, and ask "What am I supposed to do? Now after conversion, what is my purpose? What is my responsibility as a Christian? (Read Ephesians 2:10) Are we not to be involved in good works, that the Lord as prepared for us beforehand?
How can we make a difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ? Look at the ministry of Jesus. It's not about us, but about others. Even the small things we can do, make a big difference, especially when members of God's family are going through some rough times.
The key word here is "Devoted." To be totally focused on the ministry of the saints. Making it a priority to make a difference in the lives of the members of the family of God. And in so doing the church (corporately) will make a huge impact on our society today! GP
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