Being and Becoming Christian
There are people who can organize projects in ways to reach the greatest potential possible from those they serve. Paul was one of those people. My mom was one of those people. Dad stood in awe of her. She would have a plan from start to finish no matter what the task might be as a family, as a church group, or at her work. But, it was her motivation that I most admired. “If we do this, we can help more people in the process” was her mantra.
To be organized in ministry is not to be cold, unfriendly, running it like a secular business for profit, it is to ask God for the plan and how to accomplish it, then bring people around you with all kinds of gifts and abilities to help you achieve it. God gave Paul that ability. Paul had the right motivation and carried out his call of God in such an organized manner that Christianity grew exponentially. Who has that kind of motivation with organization today?
As we read the end of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, I am admiring his attention to details, his love for people with his desire to see them again, his encouragement to those who work along side him and his love for God who leads his every move. Read and see what you think…
1 Corinthians 16, The Message
1-4 Regarding the relief offering for poor Christians that is being collected, you get the same instructions I gave the churches in Galatia. Every Sunday each of you make an offering and put it in safekeeping. Be as generous as you can. When I get there you’ll have it ready, and I won’t have to make a special appeal. Then after I arrive, I’ll write letters authorizing whomever you delegate, and send them off to Jerusalem to deliver your gift. If you think it best that I go along, I’ll be glad to travel with them.
5-9 I plan to visit you after passing through northern Greece. I won’t be staying long there, but maybe I can stay awhile with you—maybe even spend the winter? Then you could give me a good send-off, wherever I may be headed next. I don’t want to just drop by in between other “primary” destinations. I want a good, long, leisurely visit. If the Master agrees, we’ll have it! For the present, I’m staying right here in Ephesus. A huge door of opportunity for good work has opened up here. (There is also mushrooming opposition.)
10-11 If Timothy shows up, take good care of him. Make him feel completely at home among you. He works so hard for the Master, just as I do. Don’t let anyone disparage him. After a while, send him on to me with your blessing. Tell him I’m expecting him, and any friends he has with him.
12 About our friend Apollos, I’ve done my best to get him to pay you a visit, but haven’t talked him into it yet. He doesn’t think this is the right time. But there will be a “right time.”
13-14 Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you’ve got, be resolute, and love without stopping.
15-16 Would you do me a favor, friends, and give special recognition to the family of Stephanas? You know, they were among the first converts in Greece, and they’ve put themselves out, serving Christians ever since then. I want you to honor and look up to people like that: companions and workers who show us how to do it, giving us something to aspire to.
17-18 I want you to know how delighted I am to have Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus here with me. They partially make up for your absence! They’ve refreshed me by keeping me in touch with you. Be proud that you have people like this among you.
19 The churches here in western Asia send greetings.
Aquila, Priscilla, and the church that meets in their house say hello.
20 All the friends here say hello.
Pass the greetings around with holy embraces!
21 And I, Paul—in my own handwriting!—send you my regards.
22 If anyone won’t love the Master, throw him out. Make room for the Master!
23 Our Master Jesus has his arms wide open for you.
24 And I love all of you in the Messiah, in Jesus.
What do we learn?
–How to be organized with a heart bursting with love for people we work alongside for the glory of God!
–How to encourage others in the work to help others know the Master Jesus Christ!
–How to organize in ways that exponentially make a difference for the Kingdom!
–FOCUS on God’s plan, His way, His will, in His time.
WOW, there is a lot in these last words of salutation from Paul. That is no coincident. We can learn a lot from Paul whom Jesus used to teach us how to build His church. Paul, one of many, who were motivated and knew God would bring all things together “for the good” of those who believed.
Dear Heavenly Father, When I think that a few words of goodbyes of Paul would be of less importance, you used those words to teach us. Once again, You teach us a great lesson about where our focus should be. Wow, thank you, for reminding us of that organization is a better way to be more effective if it is Your plan. We pray for YOUR plan for our lives. Be in every detail as You were with Paul.
We pray for the motivation of those around us as well as our own. May all we think, say, organize and do be according to Your will and plan, help others, bring You glory and make you smile.
In Jesus Name, Amen
