Jesus said, “A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). Not only is a city like this visible, it becomes a target by the enemy. Those who take a more public role in the fight for the cause of Christ generally will be targeted more directly by the enemies of Christ. We cannot take someone’s place in these battles. Yet we can provide help “from the sidelines” to strengthen them. For preachers, we can “support such men, so that we may be fellow workers with the truth” (3 John 8). For elders, we can “submit to them” and be a source of “joy and not…grief” (Hebrews 13:17). For those who are struggling with the discouragement of an unfaithful spouse or child, we can “encourage the fainthearted” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
Aquila and Priscilla provided direct and timely help for Paul in his work of preaching. We often think of supporting preachers as a work of the church – which it certainly is (1 Corinthians 9:14; 2 Corinthians 11:8). However, it is much less of a burden to do the work of preaching the gospel (or be involved in the other situations like the ones we discussed) when brethren take a direct, personal interest in providing the support and encouragement that is sorely needed.
The above post is an excerpt from the book, Regular Christians: The Importance of Each Member in the Body of Christ by Andy Sochor. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!
The preacher of Christ, who labors for the glory of God more than to accomplish any other end, does not feel discouraged if he has a small audience, nor if he does not see any special results from his labors at certain times and places. He does not aim to make a show of success, but tries so to read and pray, preach and exhort, that his labors may be to God’s glory. As a result, he keeps his thoughts heavenward rather than earthward, and is not discouraged by unfavorable appearances. He does not speak in complaining terms to those who are present because those who are absent are not disposed to hear him preach.