Aug 27 Devotion: Those That Surround You

1 Corinthians 4:17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

         It is very important to realize the need for those that surround you. A ministry or a life is not built alone. The obvious greatest need is for the Lord himself. What could we be or what could we do without him? The answer is nothing of any eternal or spiritual value. But we should also realize that there are those that God has placed in our lives that are an integral part of who we are and make it possible for us to do what we do.

         Of course, our spouse ranks at the top of the list. Any good man must have a good wife to help carry the burden. (The Bible calls her a “help meet”.) There are those that hold offices such as deacon, trustee, Sunday School teacher, song leader, etc. that help to lighten the load for the pastor. But there are also those that are encouragers, edifiers, compassionate laborers that you can count on to be a blessing. Many of them work behind the scenes without fanfare. Paul said that he sent Timothy to the church at Corinth to remind them of the “ways which be in Christ”. He knew he would be a help to them and would not undermine the work that Paul had established, but rather would strengthen it. He relied on Timothy’s help and was able to expand his ministry because of it.

         We all should be thankful for those that God has placed in our life to help us. But don’t just be thankful; speak thanksgiving to them. Tell them how much you appreciate their thoughtful service to the Lord and let them know that they have been such a blessing to you. I have been blessed throughout my life with a great family, friends, mentors, and co-laborers. To all of you, thank you for your kindness, generosity, humble service, and encouragement. I could never have been used by God and be in my place of service without those that he so graciously surrounded me with.

In Christ’s Service,

Bro. Adrian Moore

2 Cor. 4:5