You Don't Need Superpowers to Be a Force for God
We probably think of the Apostle Paul like some kind of Bible superhero, able to anything for God. Have you ever felt like you're just the "alter ego" in God's story? Have you asked the question “I'm just an ordinary person, what does it mean for me to be a force for God?" That's exactly the question we need to answer when we think about our calling as followers of Jesus.
Paul's Mission Mindset
In Acts 20:22-24, Paul gives what amounts to a farewell address to church leaders in Ephesus. He's about to return to Jerusalem, knowing opposition awaits him:
"And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace."
The important thing to note here is that Paul confidently states that his only goal is to complete the task that Jesus gave him, even though he knows that very likely prison and suffering are in store for him.
The Ordinary Heroes Behind Paul's Ministry
In 1 Corinthians 16:10-20, Paul mentions several individuals who were forces for God in their own right. Let me introduce you to these ordinary people who made an extraordinary impact.
Timothy: Young and Passionate
Timothy was from Lystra, raised in a culturally mixed family. Despite being young and lacking prestige, Timothy carried on the work of the Lord alongside Paul. Paul was concerned about Timothy visiting Corinth because he was still young and didn't have the same social status as some did. He was worried that the Corinthians might not show him respect because of that.
Apollos: Educated and Skilled
On the opposite end was Apollos, who came from Alexandria, Egypt, sometimes called the second Athens because of their high culture and society and an emphasis on knowledge and learning. He received elite education in Greek rhetoric and debate yet chose to use these skills to demonstrate to Jews that Jesus was the Messiah.
The Business Partners: Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus
Then there's Stephanas and his companions. After Paul arrived in Corinth, his family were the first ones to accept the message about Jesus and we were among the few actually baptized personally by Paul himself. His friends Fortunatus and Achaicus were former slaves who became his business partners, willing to travel long distances just to deliver letters and encourage Paul's ministry.
The Husband-Wife Team: Priscilla and Aquila
Finally, we have the married couple who used their tentmaking business to support ministry. They were well connected to the church in Corinth in their early days, but Priscilla and Aquila became even more committed to Paul and his ministry. So much so that when Paul decided to move on, they went along with him.
Your Unique Force for God
These are some of Paul's most valued companions, ordinary people who became a force for God in their families, businesses, and communities.
Jesus calls each of us to this same mission. In Matthew 5:14-16, He says: "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
You are called to live your life in such a way that the things that you do and the words that you say make it evident to everyone who knows you that you live your life for God.
Putting It Into Practice
The beautiful truth is this: If you're young and inexperienced, that's ok, you can be a force for God! If you're well educated and have a prominent social presence, you can be a force for God! If you're an eager and humble servant, you can be a force for God! If your occupation or social status makes you feel inferior, you can still be a force for God!
Who are the people who make ministry happen? Who makes the church work? You do. Wherever you go, whatever you do, you can be a force for God!
Your task might look different than anyone else's, but we all share the same calling: to finish the race and complete the task Jesus has given us. No superpowers required, just ordinary people willing to let their light shine.
Reflection
What excuses do you make about why you can't be an effective force for God? It can be too easy for us to say, “but I'm not like so-and-so... I don't have their gifts... I don't have the talents... I don't have the time... or the money... or the training...” What's your fill-in-the-blank excuse?
Looking at Paul's diverse ministry team, which person do you most identify with and why? Timothy (young and inexperienced), Apollos (educated and prominent), Stephanas (humble servant-leader), Fortunatus and Achaicus (lower social status but willing), or Priscilla and Aquila (using their business for ministry)?
How can you "let your light shine" in your current circumstances? What specific opportunities do you have in your workplace, neighborhood, family, or community to be a force for God?
What would it look like for you to live with Paul's singular focus: "my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me"? How might this perspective change your daily priorities?
Application
This week, identify one specific way you can be a force for God in your current situation. Maybe it's mentoring someone younger like Paul did with Timothy, using your professional skills like Apollos, serving humbly like Stephanas, or integrating your work with your faith like Priscilla and Aquila. Don't wait for different circumstances or better qualifications; God wants to use you exactly as you are, right where you are. Take one concrete step this week to let your light shine so others can see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Prayer
God, thank you that you equip those you call. Help me stop making excuses about why I can't be effective for your kingdom. Like Paul, let my only aim be to finish the race and complete the task you've given me. Show me how to be a force for you in my family, workplace, and community. Give me the courage to let my light shine brightly so that others might see you through my words and actions. Use my ordinary life for your extraordinary purposes. In Jesus' name, Amen
