How does a person ever become greater than they already are? Is it through practice, study, or repetition of behavior? Is it through meditation, thought or routine? Perhaps these are some beneficial ways, but when we come to know Jesus Christ as our personal savior, there is no greater improvement that may be gained in our lives. Such is the case with Onesimus as Paul the apostle informs us through today's study of verse sixteen in his book to Philemon. He wrote:
Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, especially to me, but how much more unto you, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
Throughout the beginning portions of the book of Philemon, Paul has referred to position after position as he has interceded for Onesimus whom we found to be Philemon's runaway servant. We noted that not only did Onesimus run away from Philemon, but he also stole from him when he departed. Now Paul through this letter is informing Philemon that Onesimus has become a Christian since he left, and his life is now changed. Paul knows Philemon to be a man of great reputation for his faithful love for God and other people, and now Paul challenges Philemon to receive Onesimus once again “not now as a servant, but above a servant.” We can imagine how we might be if we were in Philemon's position. We may know what it means to be a Christian, but what if we were asked not only to forgive someone who wronged us, but also to receive that same person with the idea that they would be better now than they were before? How would we be?
Paul says Onesimus is now “above a servant”, and he is also “a brother beloved.” Onesimus believes in Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord, and this makes him even more special not only to Onesimus, but also to Paul. Paul wrote, “especially to me, but how much more unto you.” Paul found Onesimus useful in his ministry, and although Onesimus is returning to Philemon, Onesimus is a changed man. He is not the same as he was before. He's greater. This is the effect of giving our hearts to Jesus Christ. He changes us and makes us to be greater than we ever were before.
Notice too that this effect not only takes place spiritually, but also physically. Paul said, “both in the flesh, and in the Lord.” So many times a person may claim to have a changed their lives spiritually, but the reflection of that change is not manifested in their every day lives. They may have some spiritual experience, but if that experience doesn't change their attitudes or manner in which they live, there really is no effective change. Too many people in this world say they have spiritual experiences, but their lives reflect no change at all. This was not the case for Onesimus. He was now a true servant, a useful servant, and a faithful servant who was willing to return to his master Philemon in the hopes that Philemon would received him again.
Do we want our lives changed? Do we desire to become greater than what we are? Is there another level of faithfulness, loyalty, commitment and trust that we desire? If so, as with Onesimus, the answer is found in our relationship with Jesus Christ who desires to make us all we truly can be in this world not only in a spiritual fashion but also in a physical one where all the world can see.
Next time we will continue to see the devotion that Paul has for Onesimus, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow...there is more...
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