As you ask God each day what one thing you can do to light the world and act upon the answer, you have the opportunity to be angels on earth – facilitating the answer to someone else’s prayers.
In 1 Corinthians 16:15-17, the Apostle Paul is closing up a letter to the Corinthians. He speaks of the house of Stephanas who were newer converts to Christianity. He says “they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints.” I love that word “addicted” in this context.
When we become converted to Jesus Christ, the desire of our hearts is to “strengthen our brethren.” That’s what Jesus told Peter: “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” (Luke 22:32). It’s really not something you have to force. Once you’re converted, you naturally reach out to others. You can’t stand to watch them suffer or wander in darkness. You want to reach out to those in need and lift them upon your shoulders.
Upon conversion, our desire to be like the Savior increases. We’re filled with His love which makes us want to care for, teach and love those around us. It literally becomes a sweet addiction. The wonderful thing is that it is an addiction with no side-effects! Try finding that anywhere else in the modern world.
This kind of love not only enables us to help others in need, but it also allows us to let others shine. When filled with this love, we no longer feel less because someone else is more. We don’t feel inferior if someone else is better than we are at something. Rather this type of Christ-centered love rejoices in the triumphs and talents of another.
I cannot begin to enumerate the people who have touched my life and answered my prayers. When I lacked knowledge, these people shared theirs. When I lacked vision, these people helped me see. When darkness engulfed me, these people brought understanding and enlightenment. When I needed help, they’ve been there.
I feel like Paul as he described his friends Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus when he said, “for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.” (1 Corinthians 15:17)
This is an excerpt from You’re Here for a Reason: Discover and Live Your Purpose
Copyright: AntonioGuillem / BigStockPhoto.com
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