Addicted to Serving
August 2009
By Rachel Hammett

      Have you ever been reading along in your Bible, when suddenly a verse catches your eye and stops you mid-sentence? That happened to me last night, when I came across these verses:

“I beseech  you, brethren, (ye know  the house  of Stephanas, that  it is  the firstfruits of Achaia, and  that they have addicted  themselves  to  the ministry  of the saints.) That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with  us, and laboureth.” 
(1 Corinthians 16:15-16)

     Have I never read that before? I’m sure that I have, but I have no recollection of ever reading the word ‘addicted’ in my Bible. Addiction is a hot topic in our society. People talk about being addicted to drugs, pornography, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and a multitude other things. But the house of Stephanas was addicted to the ministry of the saints.  

     We can find a couple things out about who these people were. First, the verse states that they were Christians. In fact, they were the first Christians who were saved in Achaia. They were, if you will, ‘charter members’ of the church started there. In their minds, rather than being better than everyone else because of their quick response to the Gospel preached, they addicted themselves to serving. 

     Second, history tells us that the house of Stephanas was a family of rank and importance in this region. Though the ones they ended up serving were often societally below them, they still willingly offered themselves for service.  

     This verse is the only time that the word “addicted” appears in our Bible. How interesting that it should not be addressing addiction as a sin, but promoting an addiction to serving as a good thing. The word “addicted” has a slightly different meaning in this verse than how the word is commonly used today. In this instance, it means, “to put in order, to appoint in one’s own responsibility or authority.” This family appointed themselves to the ministry of the saints. They weren’t necessarily in  the ministry, but ministered  to the saints.  

     The example of the house of Stephanas stands before us. Despite their rank in society, despite their rank and esteemed reputation in the church, they addicted themselves to the ministry. They were just lay people, willing to do whatever they could to further the ministry of the saints. What a way to be known!  

     Are you addicted to the ministry of the saints? It is not just a one-time act, but a heart attitude that displays itself in every area of life. Have you appointed yourself to serve others, in every area? Sometimes that may be ministering spiritually, by the quoting of a verse, pointing to Christ, or spending time in prayer. Other times, it may be ministering temporally by making a meal or lending a hand. Most often times, it is something that will be done behind the scenes, noticed by few.  

     What is your addiction level to the ministry of the saints? 

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