For years I have been impressed by a certain father. Apparently this man really enjoyed serving others. He loved doing things to bless and help others. It’s almost as though he just couldn’t help himself — he simply had to serve his fellow believers.

This father must not have served others at the expense of serving his family, though. When a father puts others ahead of his family, his children seem less inclined to put him ahead of others. So they don’t follow the path he wants them to follow.

Stephanas must have found the right combination of serving his family and others.

“Ye know the house of Stephanas…that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints” (1 Corinthians 16:15).

His household had the same addiction he did — serving the saints.

Wow! How did he do it?!

What does God want me as a Christian to do?

His work.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

When I do the Lord’s work for Him, I’m not wasting my time.

What is the Lord’s work?

Making seeds grow. Keeping atoms from flying apart. Maintaining planetary orbits. Sustaining the animal kingdom. Deciding on the weather, then causing it.

I’m persuaded, though, that Paul didn’t have that in mind. I’m sure he meant what God does in the lives of people.

What can I do today in the lives of others?

Smile. Say something kind. Help with their work. Pray for them. Be cheerful. Compliment. Play with them. Show them the Way.