SERVANT ROLE MODELS

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In Christ, Mark

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The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people. I urge you, brothers and sisters, to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it. I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.

1 Corinthians 16:15-18

This ends today’s reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

Every church needs servant role models, those who lead by example by selflessly devoting themselves to the life of their church.

At my home church, I have felt blessed to witness what true, sacrificial service looks like through the dedication of many Christian believers, service that mimics the servant attitude seen in our Lord Jesus. I know that I am not alone in the admiration and respect I have for them and how they always motivate me to try and do more and more for the cause of Christ through the work of the church.

As Paul writes his closing lines to the church in Corinth, he dedicates time to praise several servant role models there, role models that he hoped the Corinthian Christians would choose to be like, people he believed deserved recognition.

First, Paul mentions the household of Stephanus which indicates that there was a group of like-minded servants, men and women, who “devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people”. They were joined in service by Fortunatus and Achaicus, and as a collective, they provided what was lacking from the Corinthian Christians. Through their committed service to the Lord, Stephanus, his household, and the others refreshed Paul’s spirit along with other church believers. They reflected the spirit of Jesus in the way they loved, served, and cared for others and Paul encouraged the members of the church in Corinth to “submit to such people” and “everyone who joins in the works and labors” of the Lord.

As you look at your church, can you identify servant role models?

If so, take a moment to let them know they are appreciated and thank them for setting an example for you and the rest of the believers in your church. For they are following in the footsteps of many dedicated Christian servants of old, servants that included those who supported the church in Corinth and the Apostle Paul.

Amen.

In Christ,

Mark

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