In the Bible, Romans 16 verse 22 often is overlooked, but it holds great meaning.
It states, "I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord."
Paul often used a scribe to pen much of the letters that he wrote. Most notable of his scribes was probably Luke, the physician.
This particular passage tells us that, in this case, it was Tertius.
Some theologians state that this is probably another translation of the name Silas. However, let us take this at face value and just declare it is Tertius.
During the salutation at the end of this letter, Paul writes of dignitaries crucial in his current ministry.
In the middle of this greeting is the name of a man, acting as a scribe, declaring his own greeting.
Why is this so important to us?
Simply put, no matter how small or mundane the task given, it will always be duly noted by God if obediently accomplished.
For all that I know, Tertius could have been a well-known man. He may have stooped well below his stature to provide this service for Paul.
Regardless, he has stepped into the annals of the Bible for his obedience.
My friend, God recognizes all of the things we do, large or small, when we do them in the spirit of obedience to His commands. Many times we feel that we should be doing greater tasks — whatever they are — because we are preachers, teachers or deacons.
I wonder, when we get to heaven and receive our reward, how many great pastors will stand before Christ, having done great works, only to find that had they been obedient — taken care of someone, said a kind word to them, or just included them in their inner crowd — they could have won the world.
Better to obey God joyously in the small things than to do great things out of disobedience.
The Rev. Richard Helms serves at Miracle Acres Ministries, 3187 E. James Lee Blvd., in Crestview.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HELMS: Obey God joyously in the small things