Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 3:13 NIV
This verse comes from a passage that has detailed the qualifications for those who would serve as overseers (pastors) and deacons, the two formal offices of the early church. But I believe that its message is very appropriate for every believer.
All believers in the Lord Jesus are called to a life of service to Him. It may be in vocational Christian ministry. It may be in the secular workforce (Col. 3:22-24). Or in a variety of different settings. But we are all, nonetheless, called to serve our Lord where we are. And Paul says here that those who serve well gain two things that are well worth having.
The first is an excellent standing. Your standing may not be great in this world. But that really matters little. What does matter is your standing before God. Those who have served well can look forward to hearing him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matt. 25:21).
And the second is great assurance in our faith in Christ. As we faithfully serve, we will come to better know the one we serve and be drawn closer to Him. And the closer to Him we get, the greater the assurance we can have. Assurance that He will provide for us here. And assurance concerning the great hope we have as believers.
Be faithful in your service to our Lord. The reward for faithful service is great. Both now and into the future.
