Are YOU a Workplace Apostle?

by Michael Tummillo

The word 'apostle' simply means "a sent one." Contrary to Church teaching and individual beliefs, the word describes the FUNCTION of an individual who is either sent or called upon and is NOT an elite title. If one is an apostle it is because he/she has been sent. In other words, God has opened the door and the apostle has obediently walked through it. If you are working at a particular job for a certain company, the ONLY reason you're there is because God ALLOWED it. He has you there for a reason. You have been sent; you are an apostle there. That is, in fact, the MAIN reason you are there. It's not merely to advance the cause of the organization and it's not merely to earn more money. On the contrary, you are there because the Father needed you there. What are you doing with that responsibility? If we are faithful with the little things, God will make us rulers over much more. Promotion, after all, doesn't come from the East or the West - it comes from above. It stands to reason that if we work hard, arrive early, stay late, have an infectious 'can-do' attitude about our jobs and are genuinely glad to be there, we'll get pay raises, bonuses, promotions and favor and will be given an opportunity to influence the lives of an even greater number of people - either through promotion or extended tenure, working there longer and meeting greater numbers who come and go while you remain a constant force. Believe me, every one of us is a person of influence. We are ALL being watched by someone on some level. I have interviewed many employees who have recalled moments - good and bad- when some Christian person in the workplace made either a positive or negative impact on their life. Be the best Workplace Apostle you can be. The same Hebrew root (avodah) was used for 'work' as for 'worship' and was mentioned over 800 times in Scripture. That’s more than all the words used to express worship, praise, music and singing combined! Does God need apostles at Work? You bet He does - it's where we spend the majority of our waking hours. Every blessing, Michael Tummillo Workplace Chaplain http://www.YourTown4Jesus.com If you would like to SUBSCRIBE to my FREE Workplace Ministry E-newsletter called "The Communique," simply Hit REPLY and type "WORK" in your SUBJECT BAR. Also, if you're a Facebook Member, join my Workplace Ministry group called "The Church @ Work" (TCAW). Shared from FaithWriters.com

Blue Collar Commentary on Romans 1:1

Romans 1:1 Paul uses the titles Bondservant (NCV) and Apostle. He only used this combination once more in the book of Titus. In Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians and Timothy he uses Apostle and in Philippians he uses Bondservant. In Philemon he uses prisoner. And he uses neither in Thessalonians. There may be nothing special about these usages but we can see a principal here that illustrates a concept we can use. Note that in the KJV bondservant is translated as just “servant”. A bondservant is a slave that is bought totally and owns nothing and has no rights except what his or her master allows. In verse one of Romans Bondservant or servant is used before the title “Apostle”. This illustrates how we should be found faithful as a servant before our calling wether Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher (Eph. 4:11) can be proved. Some receive their calling at an early time but do not move into it until they are trained by God in that calling. Whether schooling of just hard knocks. The whole experience of being a servant can be all the training we need. Moses and David’s life as a Shepherd helped in their calling as leaders of God’s Chosen. So we must be found faithful as a servant before the Lord uses us elsewhere. Joseph would never had risen as head of Potipher’s household if he had never been faithful as a servant. He would never had became lead trustee in the prison if he had not submitted and become the model prisoner. Some may yell, “I am not a slave but a friend of Jesus.” Quoting from John 15:11-15. Even so we must be found faithful even to be a friend. At one company I had worked at years ago after working as hard as I could I became good friends with the owner. Then after some time I became lax in my work as I became comfortable in my position. Just as many long timers in some companies. Soon my friendship with the owner became strained and I lost my job and my friend. Even being a friend of Jesus according to the Bible means that you obey His commands. So this relationship is a joyous servant/friend relationship. Some may not because they don’t feel they are called to anything. I believe that all of us are called to a ministry. And when we are ready the Lord will move us into it. For the benefit of the Church and His Kingdom.