Fulfilled Ministry
"And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”" (Colossians 4:17 NKJV) The relevance of every minister lies in the fulfillment of the ministry committed to his care. Although it is difficult to decipher the import of Paul's admonition to Archippus, it appears suffering and pains are threatening the commitment of Archippus to the cause of the ministry. It is easier to place the care of minister ahead of the care of the ministry; a comfortable minister does not necessarily produce a committed ministry. Anyone who cannot rely on God's grace to carry the cross may not be able to trust God through the required course for the fulfillment of the ministry.