Help Those Women. Philippians 4:3. “And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlaborers, whose names are in the book of life.” Fellow workers in the Gospel are not always well known because many of God's calls are not to do work in public view. One thing those associated with the Gospel have in common is that they are laborers who do what needs to be done, “As to the Lord.” They are not seeking headlines or the praise of people, but the response of “Well done, good and faithful servant,” from the Lord. Women and men are equals, not subordinates, in the work and are of equal importance when they do God's will for them and are committed to serving the Master.
The “true companion” was loyal to Paul and to the Lord. Many people whose work may seem insignificant because they do not have speaking roles or are not known by name are still known by the Lord. He has their names written in “the book of life” of those who belong to Him. When they try to help others settle their differences or do whatever they can in times of need, God recognizes their efforts. Person-to-person work is very important in reaching out to people who are unfamiliar with the Gospel. Some unknown individuals have a heart-to-heart ministry that only they and the person they serve know about.
Personal connections open doors to relationships with others and may also be the means for someone’s soul to come to Christ when they are introduced to Him. Spiritual insight helps seekers who do not know what to do, where to go, or how to find God to understand better. When the grace of God works through a believer in any way the Holy Spirit guides, that is a valuable service to the Lord.
When this letter was written to the Philippian assembly of believers, they probably looked around when it was read aloud to understand what Paul meant. Who is the man to help those women who had worked with him in the Gospel? Most people will never realize the labor and suffering that have gone on behind the scenes in the outreach of the Gospel and the founding of a local congregation of believers. But the Lord knows well what is involved in His work, and those who have put in much labor into it, even if they remain unseen.
A heart full of love for the Lord will lift the spirits of those who are struggling at the front lines, where opposition and persecution come together to hinder the good news of salvation by grace alone. The help of a hand has the power to uplift, as does a timely word that offers comfort. The ability to do a kind act, a look of concern, or any action that lifts and heals emotional and spiritual wounds of a believer is worth the effort to promote spiritual health. The wounded worker who has experienced your help will appreciate your kind acts and is likely to thank God for someone who cares enough to point out what is wrong.
I wonder what else is in that book besides the names of saints. Does that book, or one like it, include what we were for or against? Through generations, faithful laborers for the Lord have left their mark on kingdom history with deeds that truly last. There is effort involved in spreading the Gospel, not just in factory or farm work. Some Gospel work has been uplifting, while at other times it has caused great harm to those who went out to share the message. Faithful brothers and sisters labored then and continue to labor now, seeking to reach lost souls in Jesus’ name.
To the best of their ability, those workers labor in the ripe harvest fields that the Lord Jesus mentioned when He said, “The harvest indeed is plenteous, but the laborers are few.” Sometimes, there is a good harvest; other times, there seems to be little yield for all the effort put forth. But the true laborers keep at the work, knowing they are called by the Lord to “bring in the sheaves” of precious souls into God's kingdom. They work for the glory of God, not for personal reward.
For over half a century, I have worked with some great men as we sought to plant the seed of God's word, water it with prayer, nourish it by repeating God's truths again and again, and then rejoice greatly when a harvest of new souls, whom God saved, appeared. Most people now forget their names, but they were well-known then. They were men whom God had chosen to suit their generation through how they worked and shared the Gospel message. Laboring for the Lord, they made serving Him their occupation and considered it an unspeakable privilege to serve Him in the Gospel. Then there were those my own age; we tried to reach “fields beyond” in various ways suited to each location. We had golden opportunities, but most of them are now gone. The few of us left are more suited by age to shepherd the sheep and lambs; we’re not given to easy change.
There are younger laborers God is raising up today. They are more suited to their generation; they understand how to communicate with those who think, speak, act, and communicate differently than my generation. Even their ways of expressing truth have to adjust to the current mindset of modern youth. The methods may have changed a lot, but never the Gospel truth. As fellow laborers with this group, we want to support them in their work as best we can, doing what we cannot do ourselves. When they see results, whether here or in other nations, we can rejoice as fellow laborers in the victories of salvation.
The role of women in an assembly is crucial. People who pray are usually dedicated in their attendance and silent participation. Many women missionaries serve in different areas of the work, doing things for the Lord that men either cannot do or will not do. The teaching of young women by older women is a task that is uniquely theirs. However, when their opinions influence the entire assembly, the issue must be addressed regardless of who they are. Two women worked alongside Paul, but their disagreement was significant enough that they needed help to be reconciled. When a problem continues, it affects everyone, and all involved must show a willingness to compromise.