Working to Death
Today's Verse:
Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me. ~Philippians 2:30
Have you ever worked so hard that you may have told someone, “This job is working me to death”? This expression is used to describe someone who works past the point of exhaustion. Our modern day labor laws and a lazy mentality has produced a generation of people who give only minimum output in their job and work. This mindset carries over into our homes and the service of the Lord. There is an aversion by some that serving the Lord is to be simple and not involve diligence and sometimes hardship. This morning, let us consider the work ethic of a man named Epaphroditus and be inspired about a Christian who nearly worked himself to death.
We see Epaphroditus, the messenger.
Epaphroditus was Paul’s co-laborer, helper, and companion in the gospel. Specifically, to the church at Philippi, he was their messenger. Paul sent him to the church to preach the Word of God to them. It could be that he was their pastor for a period of time. Paul described him as a fellow soldier, which was a term that he used to describe a fellow servant who was in the trenches with him. This brother had a great longing in his heart for these believers, a longing that describes a pastor’s heart for their spiritual welfare.
We see Epaphroditus and his misfortune.
This brother became very ill with an undisclosed sickness. He was described as being near unto death. A serious illness has a way of helping us to see things clearly from an eternal perspective. This sickness was very concerning to Paul and the other believers. I believe concerted prayer was offered to God on behalf of this brother and as a result, God had mercy on him and delivered him. Take a moment today to thank the Lord for servants of the Lord who love you and care for your soul.
We see Epaphroditus and his mission.
When this brother served Paul and the congregation at Philippi, he worked himself almost to death. His mission was to give his best for the Lord. His mission was to work as if time was running out. I imagine that this brother was so immersed into the ministry of serving others that he did not sleep much, skipped meals, and never took days off. He compensated for what others did not do. He was not a complainer, but rather saw his work as a fulfillment in the life of other people. Do you have a ministry work ethic where you are working yourself to death?
We see Epaphroditus and his model.
This brother was a model of excellence in service. He was a model of making the life of other people joyful. He was a positive example of being a blessing and not a burden. He lifted the load off of Paul’s shoulders. Recently, the Chief Administrative Officer of a leading church ministry shared with me that his role was to be a burden-lifter for his pastor. That so aptly describes what Epaphroditus was doing for Paul. His very name means “lovely.” He was a servant of the Lord who was lovely in spirit and service.
Paul’s final words about this brother was that the members at Philippi were to receive him with gladness and to hold such in reputation. He was a model minister and pastor.
Don’t allow a spirit of slothfulness and low expectations define you. Be like Epaphroditus, and have a spirit that will work with diligence. Stay at what you have been given until your work is done.
Have a fervent God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Esther 6-10