In our opening scripture, Apostle Paul testifies that Mark was helpful in the ministry. The King James Version says, “He is profitable in my ministry”. Are you helpful in the Lord’s work? There is distinguished supply that every member in the body of Christ is supposed to give as a contribution to its growth. Ephesians 4:16 (NIV) sheds light on this: “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work”. Each part has its role to play. Are you aware that you are a member in particular in the body of Christ and that you have a role to play in its nationhood growth? You have to understand your role and give your best. When you do this you become helpful or profitable in the ministry. Don’t just merely exist as a member on register. Register significance by playing your role excellently. It’s not enough just to be a member, you must actively participate in service. Don’t enter into negative competition with your brethren, just play your role excellently.

In Romans 16 Paul gives acknowledgement of several saints who were helpful in the Lord’s work. One such individual is Phoebe who was a deaconess in the Church in Cenchrea. Paul said, in verse 1 “I recommend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a helper[a] in the church in Cenchrea. I ask you to accept her in the Lord in the way God’s people should. Help her with anything she needs, because she has helped me and many other people also.” She was helpful in the ministry. When you are helpful, you are an encouragement in the body of Christ. Every child of God is supposed to be a child of consolation like Barnabas (Acts 4:36-37) who sold a piece of land and gave all the proceeds as a contribution to the Church for helping the needy. There is a God-given role you are supposed to play in His kingdom. Discover it and play it with diligence and excellence.