"For [Epaphroditus] longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. Indeed he was ill, and almost died ..."

- from Philippians 2:26-27

There can be a high cost to service.

Epaphroditus was sent by the Philippian church to bring Paul a financial gift to help him while he was in prison. Travel in the ancient world could be hazardous. Epaphroditus almost died bringing Paul his gift. News about Epaphroditus' illness reached the church in Philippi and caused them great concern.

We want you to have realistic expectations about serving Jesus and his people. Serving Jesus does not guarantee you a worry-free, pain-free, problem-free life. Serving Jesus guarantees neither health nor wealth. Service sometimes involves sacrifice. It did for Jesus. It might for us. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise.

If Epaphroditus served with the expectation of safety, he would have turned back at the first sign of illness or danger. In fact, he probably never would have left home.

In Jesus Christ, you are secure even when you're not safe. Your value is secure, so you can take risks. Your relationships are secure, so you can speak the truth to power. Your eternal destiny is secure, so you can sacrifice your temporary comfort and safety.

Where have you experienced the cost of service? Where might God be calling you to sacrifice so you can serve him?

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