1 Corinthians 16:15-18

I doubt if any of our readers know the name E. J. Nichols. I wouldn’t either except for reading about him in Dee Bowman’s book, “It’s All About the People.”

Before Dee dedicated himself to full time preaching, he worked in radio. Occasionally, Grover Stevens, the preacher at the Caprock, Church in Lubbock, Texas, where Dee and Norma attended would ask Dee to preach when he was away.

One Sunday when Dee was filling in for Grover, brother Nichols was visiting from Afton, Texas. After services, he asked Dee if he would come to the their little congregation, some 90 miles away, and preach for them the next Sunday. Dee agreed.

After preaching, Nichols asked Dee to come back and preach the next Sunday. After several weeks of going to Afton, Nichols asked Dee to return the next Sunday, but Dee said he couldn’t come.

“Why?” inquired E. J.

“Because, I don’t have any more sermons,” Dee replied.

Nichols chuckled and ordered Dee to “Go home and get one up….we’ll see you next Sunday.”

Dee recalls that meeting E. J. Nichols changed his life and how significant his influence was. A man largely unknown outside his little community, a nobody in the world’s view, but made a difference in Dee’s life. And in turn Dee Bowman has influenced the lives of countless thousands through his preaching and writing.

Today’s text reminds me of E. J. Nichols.

I urge you, brethren — you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints — that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.

I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied. For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.

Here are three men whose names are resigned to Bible trivia. They were some of the first converts at Corinth. They were workers. Laborers. Devoted. They served other saints. And they came to Ephesus to see Paul and “refreshed” his spirit, and the spirits of the Corinthian brethren. They provided something that was lacking, something Paul needed.

These three men, unheard of, unheralded and unknown, find their place in sacred scripture, not because of some great deed. Or world shaking exploit. Or miraculous work. These men are honored because of their devotion. Their ministry. Their encouragement.

In Dee’s story about E. J. Nichols, he wrote about the influence some can have in our lives that moves us in a certain direction, or a new direction. Words of encouragement can have a profound influence in a person’s life and change their destiny, as well as all those they influence.

Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus were such men. They came into Paul’s life and provided spiritual refreshment like a ice cold glass of water on a hot, sweltering summer day. They further encouraged and lifted the souls of the saints where they worshiped.

Every church needs folks like this. They may never preach, lead singing, teach a class or serve as an elder or deacon, but they offer encouragement.
When spiritual labor tires both body and soul, we need refreshing Christians. When trials come and disappointments discourage us, we need refreshing Christians. When people quit, loyalty lags, and the spirit of melancholy pervades, refreshing Christians are needed to lift the spirit. Soothe the soul. Renew hope.

When problems pervade the church or trouble invades the home, refreshing Christians are needed. When sickness strikes or death intrudes, refreshing Christians are a welcome respite from sorrow. In a darkened world filled with immorality, ungodliness, and corruption, the sight of a devoted, serving, encouraging Christian is indeed refreshing. Invigorating. Rejuvenating.

What about you? You may labor in obscurity like E. J. Nichols, or the three Corinthian brethren. But you can do something. You can touch a life. Offer a kind word. Compliment a good work. Recognize the talent of others. Be an encourager. And serve as an influence for good.

You, too, can be a refreshing Christian.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman