"God has set some in the
Church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers … helps
…" (1 Cor. 12:28).

We might easily skip the little
word, "helps," in the list of gifts in the assembly. To us, apostles,
prophets, miraculous powers, and tongues overshadow such a vague, undefined
term as "helps." We are equally liable to pass over as insignificant
the persons whom God is using as "helps" in the gathering.

One with the gift of
"helps" is a kind and gracious person, ready and willing to do
anything needful and useful, often without being asked. He may be a feeble
member of the body of Christ, but yet is "necessary" (1 Cor. 12:22).
By active sympathy and loving concern for others he often exercises a more
powerful influence upon the spiritual well-being of the assembly than those who
occupy a more prominent place.

The "help" is always
busy, but never "cumbered about much serving" (Luke 10:40) which
makes a person fretful, peevish, and unpleasant. The life of Christ is flowing
through the heart of the true helper in the assembly. This person is so full of
the joy of being Christ’s that he cannot help loving all others who belong to
Christ. The helper’s heart is free from selfishness and worldliness and his
spirit is fresh and bright in the presence of the Lord, a cheer and comfort to
the rest of the assembly.

If the labors of the helpers are
so often unnoticed now, they will be fully displayed and amply rewarded in the
day of Christ’s glory. He will remember the cup of cold water given in His
name. A few "helps" are mentioned in Scripture. The apostle Paul
refers to Phoebe, Priscilla, Aquila, and Urbane as his helpers (Rom. 16:2,3,9).
This record is given to encourage other "helps" to continue on their
quiet way.

Let us pray that though we come
behind in the foremost gifts, God may maintain the supply of "helps"
in our midst. Let each helper be diligent in his tasks of living not for self
but for others.

To those of you who are
"helps" is written this word of encouragement:"God is not
unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward
His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister"
(Heb. 6:10).

(Modified and abridged from a
tract published by Moments With The Book, Bedford, Pennsylvania.)