Read 1 Corinthians 16:15-20

“I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)” (v. 15).

Through our years of ministry, we have known many saints who “have addicted themselves to the ministry.” They could be counted upon to make things go smoothly in the church. They were there to teach a class of rowdy juniors, drive a church van, or to clean the facilities (even when no one asked them to do this). When someone was sick, they would take a pot of soup and have prayer with them. These same “saints” would be found knocking on doors inviting families to worship. They put God first and considered it a privilege to serve. Possibly, you may be thinking of someone you know who fills this description! What is the motivating cause of these types of believers? What causes them to consistently and constantly seek to minister to others? They have become “addicted” to serving in Christ's name. May God give us more saints who are addicted to ministry! (James Baker)

Perhaps today there are loving words

Which Jesus would have me speak;

There may be now in the paths of sin

Some wand'rer whom I should seek.

O Savior, if Thou wilt be my Guide,

I'll say what You want me to say. — Mary Brown

The best addiction is to be addicted to ministry.

This devotional is the Monday, July 3, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.