A few weeks ago during my personal study, I
stumbled upon a verse. I re-read that verse like I had never seen it before. It
sparked questions in my heart and I knew that was a tug to re-evaluate my
goings.
That verse was I Corinthians 16:15
I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it
is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the
ministry of the saints,)
Did you notice the word “addiction”?
As humans, we adopt a usual pattern often referred
to as “habits”. We often adopt habit(s) that becomes unconsciously part of us...
say... an addiction or an obsession. We don’t think twice about doing it because
it is already part of who we are.
Those habits or addictions can be positive or
negative depending on what those habits are and the angle from which we view it.
As a Christian, your habits could
be a good thing or a bad thing (in terms of sin or just not godly or in terms of being moderate).
In a world
full of noise, screaming adverts and e-adverts, TV series, gaming world, social
media obsession etc we can get carried away even as believers if we are not
careful.
I was lost on words when I read Apostle Paul’s message
about the house of Stephanas. They were an ordinary Christian family like yours
and mine but something stood out.
It was their obsession, their addiction that made
even Apostle Paul notice them.
I am sure people around them would have noticed it
too. This family were addicted to the ministry of the
saints.
Not only Papa Stephanas, but Mama and all the kids were dug in on the
ministry. They were all addicted to advancing God’s Kingdom through their
ministering to the saints.
That’s when I question myself...and now you
What
Is Your Addiction?
Are you addicted to advancing God’s Kingdom or are
you committed to advancing your own self will?
I thought I should throw in a little video too J. Be sure to listen
its less than 3 minutes. *Feel
free to subscribe to the channel if you wish*.
4 Qualities
of Those Addicted To The Ministry
1.They are committed to others in
faith. They are not about their own business, fame or
popularity. They genuinely help the faith of other believers. They had a heart
for others. That drove them to having an addiction.
As every
man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards
of the manifold grace of God.
I Peter 4:10
2.They love God.
You can’t have a heart for the saints without being sold out for God. Your love
for God is what makes you serve Him with all you’ve got. Even when it is hard,
you love God and submit to His Will.
3.They are not plastic people:
There are a lot of those around these days. This household were not waiting for
some position or title or financial rewards. They did all they did for the sake
of the gospel.
My little children, let us
not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
I John 3:18
Are
you doing what you are doing for your sake or for the sake of Jesus?
People can differentiate an original from a plastic.
It may take long but surely there is a payday for a deceiver. See Titus 1:16 (click to read online)
The Bible gives a clear description of those who
have nothing to do with advancing the gospel for the sake of the kingdom but
their own selfish desires. Read Philippians 3:18-19 (click to read online)
Is
Jesus in all that you do?
4. They
are Praiseworthy; When you serve God consistently even
in your secret place, while it seems no one notices you...God in fact does. He
will reward you openly, like He did with this household. Related Article: When You Feel Unnoticed
Apostle Paul in the
following verses encouraged the people to follow after such a people.
That ye submit yourselves
unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.I am glad of the
coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on
your part they have supplied.For they have
refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.
I Corinthians 16: 16-18
These kind of people refresh others. They don't seek to drain you out but they desire to replenish you. They are a blessing in the church and the community.
Wow!
Let's Pray...
Lord Jesus, help me to be addicted to the things
that concern the faith. Help me to love what you love and to be committed
enough to ministry. Help me to use the little in my hand for the ministry you have
committed into my hands in Jesus Name. Dear Jesus, let my life be a soothing refreshing and an encouragement to fellow brethren in faith in Jesus name. Amen
Comment Prompt: where have your heart and hands
been lately? Does your addiction line up with your faith in Christ?
By His Great Grace, Ifeoma Samuel
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Comment Update!
Dear friends, I have the habit of visiting you before I
respond here on my blog that way I can keep track of blogging friends I am yet
to visit.
To keep up with your latest posts, I changed my strategy. Now I visit your blog then respond to very few comments here. In case you are wondering why I keep updating you on my progress, for me this is a wonderful community and I respect you all and finally it holds me accountable to you. Haha!! *smiling*
Thanks for your understanding and I appreciate your kindest comments
thus far☺
