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“Competitor or Fellow Laborer?”

Thoughts for Today:

When I was younger and God first called me to serve Him, I went to the pastor of my church to ask how I could get involved in ministry. He sent me to see the top lay leader of our church, who was the overseer of all the activities in the church. I asked him where I could help; he said he didn't need any. I explained my talents and experience. He said that was all well and good -- he would call me if a need arose. I kept offering, but the door remained closed. I still wanted to serve, so I just became involved in ministries outside of my home church.

Eventually this man had a personal crisis and left the church. At first there was a gigantic void and everyone worried the church would fall apart without him. Then people began to step forward. As it turned out, I wasn't the only person excluded from service or leadership. His duties were replaced not by one person, but by ten. I'll bet you can guess what happened next -- the church experienced a season of unparalleled growth.

In our passage today, I find it interesting that although Apollos had a fan club in Corinth, Paul was still eager for him to come. He didn't view Apollos as a rival or competitor. They were both fellow servants in Christ. It demonstrated, and was further evidence of, Paul's personal spiritual maturity. It is truly a travesty of leadership when this same type of attitude is not demonstrated in our own churches. When domain and responsibilities are held tightly, rather than shared. And when the desire of others to serve is held back and dissuaded, rather than encouraged and provided the opportunity.

Questions to Ponder:

My experience with this man defined how I would choose to lead in ministry. Sometimes negative examples leave just as much of an impression upon us as positive ones. His example showed me how I didn't want to be. On the other hand, Paul's example demonstrates how we can assimilate strong (Apollos), or weak (Timothy), personalities into our ministries for the benefit of the Kingdom. How do you view other leaders? As competitors or fellow laborers? How should you?

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.