Reflecting back on 26 years of ministry at Grace Bible Baptist Church, I am thankful for all those who have helped me in the work of the ministry. I’ve said it before, but I feel kind of like a turtle on a fence post. Whenever you see a turtle on a fence post, you know that it didn’t get there by itself!
As Paul concluded his letter to the church at Rome, he identified no less than 35 individuals by name – men and women who had helped him in the ministry. For example, “Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus” (Romans 16:3). He also wrote, “Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ” (Romans 16:9a). He wanted to recognize these folks for the help they gave to him.
The definition of a helper is “one who provides assistance, one who makes a task easier, an assisting worker.” There are those who have been endowed by God’s Spirit with a special capacity and motivation to help others. This gift is identified in I Corinthians 12:28 as the gift of “helps,” which means “to give relief.”
Let’s take each letter of the word “helper” and see six characteristics of a good helper…
“H” is for Humility – “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (I Peter 5:6).
“E” is for Enthusiasm – “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (I Corinthians 10:31).
“L” is for Love – “See that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently” (I Peter 1:22).
“P” is for Perseverance – “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9).
“E” if for Energetic – “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11).
“R” is for Reliability – “Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful” (I Corinthians 4:2).
Are you a good helper? Remember, how we relate to others may have a bearing on whether or not they accept our Savior as their Savior; and for those who are saved, whether or not they will desire a closer walk with the Lord.
Finally, the Bible declares that the Lord is our Helper. “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Hebrews 13:6). The Psalmist said, “My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:2). There are many other verses that tell us the same truth. As the Lord is our Helper, He in turn wants us to help others. Thank God for helpers!