“And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”
Colossians 4:17 NKJV
One thing about being an adult is the fact that responsibilities are ever increasing, some have even tagged adulthood as a “scam” because it is a far cry from what we all anticipated it to be as kids.
Children mostly want to grow up so as to be independent and not succumb to multiple rules. However, the responsibilities that come with that independence as an adult are so onerous, even much more for a man of purpose with a calling on his life.
It’s convenient to say yes to God when all is rosy and you have little to no responsibility. However, when you have all sorts of responsibilities breathing down your neck as an adult, it’s easy to neglect the call you have received from the Lord.
Many today are in this exact situation, the cares of this life and the desire to be successful according to the standards of this world has lured them completely away from fulfilling the call of God upon their lives.
While it is honourable and highly essential to be the best that you can be in the secular world and make a name for yourself, it’s of greater importance to be what God will have you be and allow Him make a name for Himself with your life.
In this area, Paul’s instruction to Archippus in our anchor scripture is a vital wake up call. In his letter to Philemon, Paul refers to Archippus as a fellow soldier (Philemon 1: 2). This goes to show that Archippus was involved in ministry with Paul and his companions. Yet, Paul’s need to remind Archippus about the ministry suggests he must have neglected it, either momentarily or for a while.
We see the same situation with Demas. Concerning Demas, Paul said “for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia”.2 Timothy 4:10 NKJV
Demas was lured by the cares of this world. This ought to serve as a warning to us as well. As much as we are children of God, we have secular experiences and involvements that can easily color our perception of our heavenly call. This was the case with Demas. We cannot afford to be caught unawares.
Listen, take heed to the ministry that you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it! We must stay dedicated to all that God has called us to do and actively pursue them.
What will you do differently today? Will you resume your devotional life? How will you approach your calling in Christ? Will you pursue it with stronger intensity? Take action today.
Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 23: 32-37, Hebrews 10:1-18, Proverbs 26: 17-28, Isaiah 44-45