at JANUARY 29, 2013 by MARK KOLCHIN

“And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it.” Colossians 4:17

The apostle Paul must have been aware of something in the life of Archippus that was hindering his effectiveness as a servant of the Lord. Was it a doctrinal issue similar to the one that threatened to corrupt the testimony in Colosse? Was it a personal compromise in his life that blocked his joy in the Lord and cooled his passion for service? Could it have been an unresolved conflict with a fellow believer that festered and chafed at his ministry. Or perhaps it was discouragement from a sustained trial or disappointment over unfulfilled expectations that brought about a spiritual malaise in his life. Whatever the reason, Archippus needed a little “boost” from the apostle to maintain a proper focus for the ministry that he had been entrusted to him. As those who also have been endowed with spiritual gifts and talents from the Lord, let us also be careful to “take heed” to the ministry that we have received from Him–letting nothing jeopardize the reward that awaits us.

Nothing between my soul and the Savior,
So that His blessed face may be seen;
Nothing preventing the least of His favor,
Keep the way clear! let nothing between.–Charles Tindley