Philippians 1:1
All the Saints

Two men: different ages, different background, different countries –
One older than the other by far; brought together by God.
Each a servant in his own way and in his own right –
One called to serve in the Gospel dramatically, unforgettably.
The other young, impressionable, sensitive, willing but unsure –
Wanting to please God; impressing others with his real faith.
The one outspoken, passionate, devoted to a cause and his God –
The other willing to do what he was told; to serve the older in any way.
One out front in “The Way”; rising to each challenge without turning aside –
The other doing mundane tasks; going where he was told, making things easier.
Both servants of Jesus Christ; both aware of His sovereignty and authority –
Both caring for those God cares for: likeminded, responsive to needs – Servants.

Called out by God, though we all are different –
Lives to be lived in wholeness and meaning.
Not wasted people nor time in God’s eyes –
But chosen, elect, of supreme importance to God.
Saints without statues raised in their memory –
A reason for existence; a purpose not fully understood.
Meeting together with a common gathering Center –
The Lord’s name and Person; the reason why they know each other.
Living in the same city; brought together by grace –
Gathering in fellowship and unity; needing to be preserved for God.
Servants and saints; brothers and sisters; believers and witnesses –
Children of God who love the Lord; followers of Christ – Saints.

Responsible men who have been tried and proven – and don’t quit –
Using their hearts as well as their heads to draw conclusions.
Leaders of men, they do not turn aside from the hard questions –
They pray for answers – answers in peace; they know God has given them this work.
They shepherd sheep and lambs: sheep need food – lambs need care –
And they provide for others by listening to God, and acting for Him.
Making decisions together; looking at options; considering the choices they have –
Cautious and bold; quiet and forthright; plain of speech and careful how they speak.
Not satisfied to leave things undone; ready for every good work; prepared –
Humbled when God blesses; thankful for each forward step; appreciate little things.
Men of the Word; quoting relevant scriptures; reading what truly applies –
Shepherds who feed; elders who have experience; bishops who watch –Leaders.

Ready to work; willing to act when delegated a task; careful over their charge –
Not complaining about the work load; thankful to be able to help.
Rising to the occasion; faithful until the work is done; not a quitter –
Accepting what they may not understand; fulfilling what is expected of them.
Trustworthy and willing to be counted on; there when needed; expecting to work –
Acting without being told all the time; seeing what needs to be done and doing it.
Accepting criticism as par for the course; knowing not everyone will be pleasing –
Accommodating themselves to the comfort of others; going without, that others may have.
Doing the same thing over and over again for God’s glory; looking beyond tomorrow –
Standing in the gap; building up the wall; fixing the broken gates of truth.
Doing what they do in the name of the Lord, not for praise of men; standard-bearers –
Deacons who are ministering to the needs of others at their own expense – Ministers.