In every Christian ministry, opportunities to serve the Lord abound. Volunteers are required in order to fulfill many of these tasks, such as Sunday school teaching, fellowships, conferences, seminars, Christian camping programs or evangelistic outreaches. How can one determine if a volunteer will be able to accomplish such tasks successfully? Are there qualities in a person that will make him a good volunteer?
The Bible shares an example of a good volunteer. His name is Tychicus. Tychicus, a man from "Asia" (Acts 20:4), accompanied Paul as he traveled throughout parts of the known world as a missionary. His name is mentioned with Trophimus, who was called an "Ephesian" (Acts 21:29); therefore, his hometown was probably Ephesus.
Paul trusted Tychicus to carry his precious and personal letters to certain believers. Those believers lived in the cities of Ephesus and Colossae (Ephesians 6:21-22; Colossians 4:7-9). Paul knew that Tychicus was the right man to tell the believers what was happening in his ministry concerning the faith, fellowship and furtherance of the Gospel.
Paul also expected Tychicus to be a good companion to a new believer. That new believer was "Onesimus" (Colossians 4:9). Onesimus must return to his master, Philemon; for he was a runaway slave. Paul wrote a letter to this friend, Philemon on behalf of Onesimus and wanted Tychicus to accompany him on the journey.
During their missionary travels, Paul sent Tychicus to meet Titus for ministry. Both of them would later join Paul in "Nicopolis" to report on their ministries (Titus 3:12). Finally, when Paul sat in prison waiting to become a martyr for his faith in Jesus Christ, he "sent" Tychicus "to Ephesus" to continue the spiritual work there (2 Timothy 4:12).
Why did Paul think that Tychicus was the right man for these tasks? What were the characteristics of Tychicus that so impressed Paul to give him such awesome responsibilities? Those characteristics are fourfold.
First of all, Tychicus was a "beloved brother" (Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7). Not only was Tychicus expressing his love to the believers in these cities, but also the believers were returning that love to Tychicus with joy and gratitude for his service to them. Everyone knew that Tychicus was a disciple of Jesus. "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35).
Second of all, Tychicus was a "faithful servant in the Lord" (Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7). He was consistent in his display of Christianity. He did not perform his service half-heartedly or sporadically. Paul and others could count on Tychicus to accomplish the task set before him fervently and faithfully.
|
Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.
Psalm 119:1-2
