What about Persis?

 

We often question God. We ask,

“What is my purpose?”

Believe it or not, that is a question driven by self-serving needs. It may seem to be headed in a noble direction, but it has everything to do with you and nothing to do with God.

We are here to serve God, but we get so caught up in wanting to be served that we lose sight of our primary purpose. So, we ask the question, thinking of ourselves and how we can benefit from the answer.

Your purpose is tied to your being in service to God because it is serving God that gives you purpose and renders you significant. You were created to play a role in His eternal plan. It’s not even about being religious, it’s about being aligned with divine intention.

To serve God in any capacity is to fulfil the purpose for which you were created.

Some of us are well-known in our church and consider that our purpose but purpose has nothing to do with popularity. Persis is mentioned only once in the bible so we can conclude that she wasn’t popular, but she did have a purpose.

Long story short…no, her story isn’t long at all, it’s actually short.

Persis was a member of the church in Rome and in Apostle Paul’s letter to the church (Romans 16), she was one of several members to whom he sent greetings.

And though her name appears way down in verse 12, it’s obvious that Paul must have thought very highly of Persis, as he not only refers to her as “my dear friend Persis” but he then validates her significance by adding, “who has done so much work for the Lord”.

Paul recognized the amount of work that Persis had done for the Lord in the establishment of the church. She may not have been a leader or even popular but, as a member, she certainly laboured, not for recognition yet her work did not go unnoticed and the Apostle’s deliberate reference to that was his way of honouring her faithful service.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people. Remember that the Lord will give you as a reward what he has kept for his people. For Christ is the real Master you serve. – Colossians 3:23-24 (GNT)

We should strive to work for the Lord with all our heart. That ought to be our goal in whatever we’re tasked to do.

Beloved, like Persis, you must work diligently and faithfully for the Lord in all you do. Seek ways to serve Him, after all you are His creation, it’s His world, His plan and His purpose.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “What about Persis?” ©2026 April 14, 2026