Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ. Ephesians 3:8
Two cargo ships made their way into the harbour one a spring morning, and their appearances were very different. The first ship was freshly painted, and her decks were clean and tidy. Proudly she came in, riding high in the water, allowing those on the docks to see how she was in good repair and well designed. No cargo cluttered her decks, and in truth, none occupied her holds, either. The second ship looked much different, sitting low in the water, and having her decks piled high with cargo containers, with ropes and other equipment scattered about. She moved slowly and carefully into the harbour and was pushed by tugs toward a berth surrounded by cranes. The second ship reminds me of the apostle Paul, as he hid himself in humility behind the great work that God had appointed him to do.
We all know some Christians who make sure those around them know all about their important roles that they are filling, and the great achievements they have to their credit. Like the proud ship that displayed her beauty, they are all about appearances but usually get little if anything done in terms of real work. How different the humble saint who accepts the burden of responsibility and shoulders whatever tasks the Lord offers, allowing themselves to sink low in the water so that the work will get done. To varying degrees, you and I are like one of those two ships, and our Lord receives His honour and profit, depending on how low you and I are willing to be in the sea of His service.
Paul takes a humble position, as his words in our text indicate. He acknowledges that he is less than the least of saints, and he speaks with awe of what great responsibility God has entrusted to him. For Paul, it is the Gospel message that is to be held high and given the attention. Like the heavily laden ship, he is just the vessel to deliver the message, and he takes no glory for Himself. If souls are saved, if Assemblies are planted, he cheerfully gives the glory for such achievements to his Lord, and he keeps on working, remaining low in the water to avoid taking any attention to himself. His attitude is one that we should copy if we are to be worthy vessels for our Lord.
Paul speaks of his missionary work as a grace given to him. Grace – unmerited favour – is exactly what service for God is. None of us, Paul included, deserves to be in His service. We were once unprofitable, with not even a desire to serve God, and were rapidly earning the wages of sin. But the grace of God saved us, and the grace of God enables us to serve our Lord, earning eternal rewards and blessings. We ought always to give glory to the Lord we serve, but we have no right to take any credit for ourselves in our service. -Jim MacIntosh