Jan 29 Devotion: Willing Availability or Willful Defiance

 Colossians 4:7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:

         I know that many people want the limelight and the preeminence, but Tychicus was someone that wanted to simply serve. He was industrious, a brother in the Lord, a faithful minister, and a fellowservant with Paul. Paul could trust him to carry out needed tasks and did not question his loyalty. He wasn’t looking for glory but for results. One of the greatest blessings in the ministry is knowing there are some people you can rely on without reservation. Let us take a self-examination and see if we qualify as a Tychicus.

3 John 1:9-10

9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.  

         Diotrephes was a different character than Tychicus. Instead of being a servant, he wanted to be served. He wanted the “preeminence”. He thought first was his rightful place. His opinion was the most important and if he didn’t get his way, he made life miserable for everyone else. It is this type of person that the lost world looks at and cries, “hypocrite, hypocrite”. They are a detriment to the ministry and undermine every attempt at progress. Because of their arrogant pride, they cause tension in the church which makes worship of the Lord difficult. Let us take another examination. Are there any traits of Diotrephes in our lives? If so, run to Jesus with a repentant heart because a Diotrephes spirit is one of opposition to the cause of Christ. To be opposed to Christ in any way is a sad state.

Tychicus or Diotrephes: the choice is yours. Which will it be?

In Christ’s Service,

Bro. Adrian Moore

2 Cor. 4:5