While countless lessons could be pulled from aspects of Paul’s life, today we will focus on a somewhat short moment shared between Paul and the elders from the Ephesus church (Acts 20:17-38). Paul has been traveling around from one place to the next teaching the message of Christ. While in Miletus, he sent for the elders, before starting his journey towards Jerusalem. In this short visit, Paul had a touching and powerful moment with those leaders that conveys some amazing lessons on what it means serve the Lord and how we ought to do so. Again, there are more lessons that could likely be pulled even from this section, but I would like to share with you six lessons that should hold meaning if you have an earnest desire to serve the Lord.
First, working for God needs a daily routine (v. 18). From the moment Paul got to the mission field he began to work. Serving God by preaching and teaching the Christ was something he made a prominent part of his day-to-day. We all typically have routines that we follow. Have you made service for Christ part of your routine? Is it something that is even important enough to make the list of things to do? Paul definitely thought it was! Hopefully we will follow that lesson from him.
Second, we are to serve with humility (v. 19). While Paul had probably the most that he could boast about above anyone else, he constantly tries to remind us that our service is to God. It is about Him, not us. As Jesus taught in the Gospel of Matthew, those who wish to be seen by men (for the praises of men) will have there reward in full and will receive nothing from God. If we make it about ourselves or toot our own horn when we do something, we are not properly serving in a way that will bring glory to or shine a light on God who is the one that all people actually need.
Third, service to God must be with compassion (v. 19, 31). A phrase you may notice in both those verses is, “with tears.” It doesn’t mean they were just walking around blubbering all the time about the difficulties of life. It means that they had true love and real compassion for the work they were doing and the people they were working with. Paul cared about the lost souls and desired for them to find Christ. He also cared for those who already found Christ. The truth is difficult times came and Paul showed compassion for those that struggled and because of it better built them up in Christ by showing them the love of Christ. Have we been doing a great job of showing that love and compassion to those inside and outside of Christ today? If you say or think not, then be the changing force that you can be. Start following in the footsteps of Christ and Paul and show the love and compassion that we all need and be example for people to follow today.
Fourth, service to God must be done in spite of trials (v. 19). As mentioned before we all go through difficulties in life. That does not mean that your struggles are invalid, but means that even with the struggles we press on in our service to God. Paul dealt with many difficulties often times brought on by plots against him from the Jews as mentioned in this verse. However, Paul never let those hard times distract from his purpose or define his character. He forged ahead serving every day and in every city he went through, even while, each city brought more strife on him (v. 23). But also know this, Paul was not alone in his work and neither are you. There are many brothers and sisters in Christ that are forging along serving next to you, whether in the flesh or in the spirit. Let them or us be a helping hand to lift you up when needed. We are here to be of service for the Lord together!
Fifth, service to God must be without compromise (v. 20, 26-27). This may be a very unpopular view among many, but regardless, it is the lesson conveyed to us by Paul. We live in a world full of compromise, but when it comes to God’s Word Paul says that he spoke it all. Twice he conveys in those verses that he did not shrink back from teaching or declaring the whole purpose of God. Because of this, he claims that he is innocent of the blood of all men. The significance in that is great. If we compromise God’s Word and don’t teach it fully and accurately, then we are in danger of being guilty of their blood. This doesn’t mean that we are not to be compassionate, loving, and understanding when we teach. However, it does mean that we cannot decide to say something God calls a sin is okay now. Paul understands that he is dealing with God’s Word not his own. We need to learn the same lesson in our own lives regardless of how culture may change or pull on us.
Sixth, service to God must be done with optimism and a positive attitude (v. 20, 32). Now, before you go saying, “that’s a bit of a stretch,” hear me out. Paul talks about declaring things that are profitable, meaning anything that brings good to your life…that being Christ. You have probably heard the old saying, “you catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar.” That old saying is part of the lesson here. If we carry ourselves with a look of woe-is-me or depressed in countenance and outlook, how is that going to entice or attract someone to Christ. If we don’t live our lives every day like we actually have the best thing we could ever ask for, then people will find it hard to believe that Jesus is actually important or desirable to their lives. As Christians, we believe in the grace and mercy of God to the point that we can have an eternal life with Him in heaven. That is an extremely positive thing and we should always do our best to convey our Christian life that way.
I pray that these lessons on service will be helpful to you in your own Christian walk. Paul has always been a great example of service because he focuses on being like Christ. Let’s follow in his footsteps and serve our God each and every day with humility, compassion, in spite of struggles, without compromise, and with an optimistic and positive attitude. May the Lord bless you all!
