THURSDAY May 5, 2022

Fulfill Your Ministry

Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”
Colossians 4:16-17

We do not know who Archippus is; he remains unknown. Paul, in his final greeting, strongly exhorted him to: “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” What a needful encouragement from Paul. As a father in the faith, Paul gave a similar exhortation to Timothy, a son to him in the faith, saying: But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry (2 Timothy 4:5).

What about us? We need to apply this same exhortation to our lives today. We all have a ministry. The call to ministry is precious, and we need to take care of it––fulfill it. Never give up! Go forward, not backward! One day we shall give an account of that ministry. Be a true disciple of Christ. What gifts has God given to you? Are they lying dormant on a shelf, or are they being used in the Church to give God glory? Pray and seek the Lord; ask Him for direction and guidance on what He wants you to do. I encourage you, complete your ministry; finish it––do not quit!

Whatever God has called you to do––do it! Run! Obtain the prize of Christ waiting for you in heaven: Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it (1 Corinthians 9:24). What prize shall we receive? It is a crown––an imperishable crown (1 Corinthians 9:25).

I encourage you to fulfill your ministry, as we have a whole world to reach with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Remember, nothing in this life counts as much as serving Jesus Christ––it is the only thing that will last.

Our high and privileged calling is to do the will of God in the power of God for the glory of God.
~J. I. Packer~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!