You are probably committed to your spouse and family, your work, perhaps a sporting team or club, and church. How does your commitment to each of these things compare to the other? Which do you rank highest?

In Philippians 2:25-30 we read of an ordinary man, Epaphroditus, who was sent to Rome as a messenger to Paul and whom Paul was now sending back home. Paul writes, “So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.” Epaphroditus was not a missionary, he was not an evangelist or a pastor. He was just an ordinary guy that agreed to carry a message to Paul in jail in Rome. Yet Paul said of him “my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier”.

Epaphroditus should be an example to us of the commitment of an ordinary man. Perhaps you, like me, struggle to identify with the amazing commitment of men like Paul or Peter but Epaphroditus shows us that a simple task like carrying a message is worthy of recognition when it is in the service of Christ.

This topic of commitment is on my heart this week because we have a church meeting coming up next Sunday and typically the attendance is low. It may seem a little thing but attendance at the church AGM demonstrates a commitment to the life of Moore Park Baptist Church and an interest in the future plans to extend God’s kingdom on earth. Our AGM is an open meeting where all are welcome to attend and contribute. Only members are entitled to vote on a motion but voting is a very small part of the purpose of the meeting. The primary purpose is to report on the activities of MPBC and hear the views of the people who are part of MPBC. Perhaps you have other plans for the day, like a family barbecue or some cricket to watch. Please carefully consider whether you could instead find a couple of hours for the church meeting. Be like Epaphroditus and demonstrate your commitment.