We have had SO many help us in so many ways that we can’t even list them all. Thank God for all the unsung heroes in our lives, in the USA and India (and several other countries as well). This blog is for you.
Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ hands so he could pray for victory. Jason risked his life when he opened his home for the church to meet (Acts 17:5-10). Nympha opened her home as well (Colossians 4:15). So did Rhoda (Acts 12:13-15). Epaphras was a prayer warrior, interceding behind the scenes for others (Colossians 1:7; 4:12; Philemon 23). All these and many more are unsung heroes. We know they did something helpful, but we don’t know much about them and they get little credit in Scripture. Yet God noticed and blessed them and their work. He will do the same for us who faithfully serve behind the scenes as well. Even if no one else knows or cares, He does and that is what matters.
Tychius was such a man. He helped Paul, doing things Paul wasn’t able to do himself. His work was behind the scenes, supportive, not for show or recognition. He was a godly man (Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7). He took Paul’s message to various churches and encouraged them (Ephesians 6:22; Colossians 4:8). He was instrumental in helping Onesimus find reconciliation with the master he stole from and ran away from (Colossians 4:9)
Tychius worked in secret, not in the limelight. He served others by serving Paul, doing what Paul was unable to do because he was in prison. He is an unsung hero. Paul greatly appreciated his service, for five times he writes about him in his letters. Evidently Tychius was content to help Paul. He wasn’t trying to start his own ministry but worked doing what Paul was needed in his ministry. He served a prisoner – a dangerous undertaking at best.
Jesus Himself tells us to not do our acts of service to be seen by others but only out of devotion to God. We are to do them for Him and no one else (Matthew 6:1-2). When we give financially it is to be done quietly, not to be seen or noticed (Matthew 6:3-4). Our prayers should be private, not in a way to draw attention to ourselves (Matthew 6:6). The same is true of our fasting (Matthew 6:18).
It takes a great burden off of us when we don’t care who notices but just focus on helping, praying, encouraging, thanking and serving in any way we can. God can, and does, use a person who doesn’t care who gets the credit. Are you one He can use?
Matthew 6:1-18 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 18 only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Spend some time checking your motives for what you do for the Lord. If anything is to be noticed or recognized, confess that as sin and ask God to forgive you and help you do it for Him alone.
Jerry Schmoyer
Christian Training Organization ©2019