Practical Living

The High Value of Helpers

What kind of helper are you?

Behind the greatest accomplishments. organizations and movements are relatively unknown, unsung heroes — great helpers. These “quiet giants” work in the unnoticed places, supporting and serving others with an untiring and undeterred commitment to the mission. Nothing ever happens of any significance without such helpers.

There is no doubt that one of the most respected and fruitful leaders of the first century church was the Apostle Paul. His multiple missionary journeys resulted in many church plants. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul penned no less than 13 of the 27 books of the New Testament! His spiritual stature, character, wisdom, endurance and tenacity are a model to all believers. But Paul acknowledged the importance of helpers in his ministry. He could not have done what he did without people like, Timothy, Titus, Silas, Epaphras, Aristarchus, and many others.

At the end of Paul’s letter to the believers at Colosse, he wrote about some of these folks. He started his acknowledgements with a short note about a man named Tychicus. Take a look at what Paul had to say about him:

“ … He is a beloved brother and faithful helper who serves with me in the Lord’s work.” — Colossians 4:7 (NLT)

This brief statement tells us a lot about a man that we otherwise know very little about. Tychicus was:

• “Beloved” by Paul. There was something about this man that exuded love and that caused people to love him. He was a lovable man. He behaved in ways and demonstrated attitudes that made it easy to love him.
• A “faithful helper” to Paul. The Greek word used for “faithful” means “worthy of belief, trust or confidence.” Tychicus never let Paul down. He was a man Paul could count on, and a man that Paul did count on. The Greek word for “helper” is one that basically means “servant.” It was used to describe someone who served practically, and one who proactively pursued opportunities to be a help to others.
• A man who continued in service with Paul. Paul said of Tychicus, “He is a beloved brother … who SERVES with me in the Lord’s work.” “Serves” speaks of a continuing action. It was something Tychichus had been doing and continued to do. The adversity of Paul’s incarceration in Rome for preaching the Gospel had not discouraged or diminished this man’s service in the Lord’s work. He continued in service. Paul knew he could count on him!

What lessons can we learn from the example of this “beloved brother and faithful helper” to the Apostle Paul? One lesson is to understand the value, significance, and great importance of Kingdom Helpers! While very few people rise to the prominence of the Apostle Paul, we can all be like Tychicus. We can all learn to be “a beloved brother/sister and faithful helper who serves!”

What kind of Kingdom Helper are you?

Dale O'Shields

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