Addicted to the Ministry

In one of those marvelous passages that we so often overlook a beautiful compliment is paid an early Christian family. Paul said of the household of Stephanas, “they have addicted them­selves to the ministry of the saints” (1 Corinthians 16:15).

At a time in our history when we are hearing so much about drug addiction, alcoholism, and the nicotine fit, it is refresh­ing to be reminded of at least one family whose addiction was not fatal or even harmful. Theirs was an addiction to doing the will of God.

The word `addicted‘ means “given over to a pursuit, practice, or habit.” The house-hold of Stephanas was devoted to persistent and habitual service. In the Greek language the word is `tasso,’ and it means specifically “to place in a certain order; to set first.” So Paul is saying of this family that they had made the `ministry of the saints’ their number one priority in life. Jesus came first! A greater compliment could not have been paid them.

Our Lord, in the Sermon on the Mount, commanded: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). This family took that command seriously. We all should! Doing so will not only enrich this life, but will also make it possible for us to live eternally. There are many things which we can give our time, talents, and energies to, but none so important as our service in the kingdom of Christ.

• Are you a Christian?
• Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God?
• Will you obey Him?
• Will you be “addicted to the ministry?”

Only you can answer those questions. Remember, your answer determines what eternity will hold for you.

—Roger

SEPTEMBER 9, 2012