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What Would Paul Say About Me?
Paul’s letter to the Romans ends with a long list of greetings. It may be a section of scripture we often skip or overlook because it has so many names that do not mean as much to us as they would have to Paul. But let us consider a question regarding this section of scripture.
In Romans 16, Paul greets Prisca and Aquila as “fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks” for Paul’s life (Romans 16:3-4).
Mary, Urbanus, and Persis are greeted as individuals who have worked hard for the Lord (Romans 16:6, 9, 12).
He greets Andronicus and Junias as “fellow prisoners, who are outstanding among the apostles” (Romans 16:7).
Paul refers to Rufus as “a choice man in the Lord” (Romans 16:13).
There are many more, but I think you get the idea. The question I would like us to consider is: What would Paul say about me?
Certainly I hope he would not speak about me like he does about Demas, who deserted Paul, or Alexander the coppersmith, who did much harm to Paul (2 Timothy 4:9, 14). It is an important point of reflection and examination.
Would Paul see me as a fellow worker or a slacker?
Would Paul see me as a servant or as someone who likes to be served?
Would Paul see me as forgiving or as a grudge holder?
Would Paul see me as loving or hating?
Would Paul see me as being enslaved to Christ or to the world?
What would Paul say about me?
Of course recognition is not the primary motivation or reason we work, serve, forgive, love, and imitate Christ. However, it is important to reflect on our character and love, and to examine our obedience and service.
So what would Paul say about me?
Even more importantly, we must consider: what will God say to me?
Jesus revealed that “when the Son of Man comes in His glory…all the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another. He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left” (Matthew 25:31-33).
Will I be on His right or on the left?
“The King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world’” (Matthew 25:34).
But “then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels’” (Matthew 25:41).
Consider this question: What will God say to me?
We must examine ourselves and continually strive to become like Christ. Serve God, forgive others, love all, and imitate Christ! This is what we must do!
