We celebrate a host of heroes.
Sports-stars, people who overcome adversity, those in uniform, and even heroes of the ‘super’ variety (simply look at box-office receipts to gauge our keen interest). For we seemingly possess a subconscious intent on lionizing people.
These champions of ours provide figures to not only admire, but emulate. Figures who possess some talent, trait, or cause worthy of both awe and replication.
However, Paul brings another type of hero into the spotlight: the servant.
“Would you do me a favor, friends, and give special recognition to the family of Stephanas? You know, they were among the first converts here in Greece, and they’ve put themselves out, serving Christians ever since then. I want you to honor and look up to people like that: companions and workers who show us how to do it, giving us something to aspire to.”
The family of Stephanas is recognized because they embraced serving others, vice focusing on themselves. For the paradox is that true fulfillment and joy come from turning our energy outwards.
We can get so wrapped up in what we don’t have, that we forget all that we have been blessed with. For as long as we keep the spotlight solely on ourselves, we will always find more we are lacking. However, if we widen the beam and begin to include those around us, our peripheral wants start to go out of focus and fall down our list of priorities. It’s like ‘portrait mode’ for our lives as the background noise begins to fade away and what is truly important comes into sharp focus.
True fulfillment will forever elude us if we keep our singular wants alone in the center of the frame. Let us instead lift up those around us, and enjoy the purpose and satisfaction that are sure to follow.