In the closing words of 1 Corinthians, Paul says this “now I urge you brothers – you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints – be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such men.” (1 Cor. 16:15-18).
Paul instructs the believers to follow the lead of these men. He tells them to follow those who serve others. He says to be subject to them and to all fellow workers in the Lord. The instruction is really that we should be submit to one another as Christians (Eph. 5:21). Specifically, Paul says to follow the lead of these who have the heart of a servant.
The systems in our world tell us to follow the strongest, the most powerful, the well-connected, the one who appears successful. However, we are to follow those who look the most like Jesus. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus opens with the beatitudes. These should be the mindset of the believer. These characteristics are not valued in the world. The world does not follow after those who are poor in spirit, mourners, meek, hunger and thirst for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, and the persecuted. But, Jesus tells His followers to be this way.
We should take Paul’s words to heart and follow after the people who look the most like Jesus. After all, we become like those we follow.
A Pastor's Thoughts 