Colossians 4:17

"And say to Archippus, 'Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.'"

Archippus, probably the brother of Philemon (Philemon 2), received almost exactly the same encouragement (or exhortation if you will) from Paul that Timothy received from Paul as found in II Timothy 4:5. Paul didn't just write these words because they served as a nice closing to a long letter. Assuming there's purpose in his words (as there is in all of God's Word), Archippus probably needed the prompting. Maybe, like Timothy, he was shirking back from his calling.

To "take heed" to something is to pay attention to it. And it's not just focusing on it, but also following through on it. Archippus had a ministry, and it wasn't just any ministry, it was one given by the Lord. There's a lot here to digest. All ministries are paramount to accomplishing the fulfillment of God's Kingdom. Take for example what seems like a simple thing of caring for children in Sunday School. These little souls are nourished in special ways by teachers who have a ministry. But apart from that ministry parents would not have the full liberty to worship, to serve and teach/preach were it not for them. This is from the Lord. Sunday School teachers need to take heed to the ministry they have received. And when we receive something from the Lord, He has a design behind His giving... there's purpose. Often times that purpose is not only for the benefit of others, but also ourselves. Whenever Christians do what God's called us to do, they find exceeding joy because the Master's vision is becoming a reality, and His joy becomes ours.

The snares of the world, the fear of men, the love of self, and the loss of eternal vision all erode a Christian's heeding of their ministry. May I see those attacks today, take heed to my ministry with confidence, and enjoy the fullness of joy God has for me. 'Lord, throw "Paul's" into my life when I shirk back and don't let me meander away from Your design in me.'