Epaphroditus
Epaphroditus is one of the many unsung heroes of the Bible. His name means “attractive”. And while we don’t know anything about his physical appearance, when we read the New Testament we quickly discover that he possessed a beautiful character. While others were abandoning the Apostle Paul in droves, Epaphroditus remained his faithful and loyal friend. When the Apostles lamented the selfishness of those who clamored for the Christian spotlight, Epaphroditus was on the short list of those who truly cared for the welfare of others.
In stark contrast to the values of our day where self-preservation, recreation and relaxation are a top priority, Epaphroditus like Paul worked himself to the point of exhaustion for the cause of Christ. Some would have expected Paul to chide Epaphroditus for overextending himself, but instead Paul praises him as an exemplary servant of Jesus Christ.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, when it comes to individuals with attractive and godly hearts like Epaphroditus, we must be sure that they are not unsung. Paul writes of him in Philippians 2:29, “honor such men!” So when you find a modern-day Epaphroditus, be sure he or she is not an obscure or unsung character in the story of your life.
Perspective
Solomon’s refrain that everything the world has to offer is “utterly meaningless” (Eccl.1:2) becomes easier to affirm the older one gets. It seems that with increasing age comes the increasing realization that the world is truly a rip-off…
Suffering and Trust
If we read through the God-breathed songbook of Israel we’ll find plenty of psalms which remind us that in this life God’s favored people are in no way exempt from serious pain and intense suffering. It is how the psalmists’ deal with their pain…
Let There Be Light
Sometimes the important analogies presented in the Bible are so frequently echoed in our worship, our prayers, and even our conversations, that God’s intended meaning gets lost in our minds somewhere along the way. Consider the frequent…
Unbiblical Thoughts
To grow in our understanding of God and the Christian life requires that we leave behind wrong ideas about God and the Christian life…
Responding to Trials
Modern Christians tend to misplace a good portion of their compassion. Often when they learn of someone who is struggling or hurting, regardless of the reason, they are quick to offer…
Selfish Prayers
James 4:3 diagnoses one of the most insidious problems which always undermines, and often devastates our prayer lives. The problem we’re told, is…
Dependence
Comprehending something of our real and absolute dependence on God is foundational to everything in the Christian life. It is where…
Prayer Perspective
We need to remember the greatness of the God to whom we pray. We often pray small prayers for small things because we’ve forgotten…
Prayer Perspective
We need to remember the greatness of the God to whom we pray. We often pray small prayers for small things because we’ve forgotten…
Real Biblical Love
“Love” may be a word we hear every day, but it’s rarely employed to describe anything resembling the virtue the Bible calls us to emulate. While there is nothing wrong with feeling good about the things, places, or people who make us feel good, the biblical concept of “love” is something entirely different…