2 Corinthians 8:18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;
2 Corinthians 8:23 Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
The vast majority of precious brothers and sisters in The Lord Jesus who serve in the local church do so without a title or much fanfare, if any at all. When Paul was planning a visit to go to Jerusalem to bring a much needed financial gift to them from the Gentile churches, he not only would send pastor Titus, but a brother. He gives us no name. He is “just” a brother. But he is a brother whose praise is in the gospel. In other words, this brother’s service in this case was not need-driven alone, but gospel-driven. His service was love-driven, not title-driven. He was a brother who was chosen of the churches to assist Paul in making sure that every bit of money that was donated for the saints in Jerusalem was delivered properly. He was a brother who believed that honesty before God and man was important. Do you think that when he read this letter from Paul that he was upset because his name was omitted? I do not think so. In fact, I would tend to believe that he may have insisted on remaining anonymous. This brother did not need a title or a crowd because he lived out his entire life for an audience of One.
Please note that in verse 23, Paul identifies such brethren as messengers of the churches and the glory of Christ. A person who has been born of The Spirit will be a gospel-driven, love-driven servant. Their motivation for serving is the love of Christ. They will not need to be guilted or pressured into serving or helping. They will not need a title or a need to be seen by a guaranteed number of people. Such individuals are the real backbone of any local church. They do not serve to receive glory or honor. They do not serve to obtain some kind of sense of self worth or simply to feel good. They simply and quietly offer themselves up unto Jesus. They hear of a need and make themselves available for The Master’s use.
How lovely it is, beloved, when we are content just being a “non-titled” brother or sister who served in the body. How lovely it is to be a non-titled brother or sister who is a love-driven, gospel-driven servant. Such kinds of saints are indeed the glory of Christ. Selah
