June 26, 2023
For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father. (Philippians 2:20-22)
I wonder what Paul was really like. If he were in our church, what would we think about him? He was amazingly intense, and incredibly focused. He never hesitated to challenge others. I doubt he'd be the guy who'd just piddle around much. Not that it's necessarily wrong or sinful, but I don't see him playing video games or watching television till the early morning hours.
But on the other side, he was a man of intense, genuine love, great compassion, and an unceasing desire to see people come to Christ and develop in their faith. He was unbalanced in his drive for the gospel but balanced in what a true Christian disciple-maker should be and do.
From the passage above, it looks like many men couldn't handle his intensity. But there was a band of brothers—fellow soldiers—who were all in. One of these was Timothy. Notice what he had that Paul applauded. Measure yourself by this description of this fervent follower of Jesus.
A KINDRED SPIRIT
"I have no one else of kindred spirit…" (Vs. 20)
Paul could count on Timothy because he knew their hearts beat in unison. They were motivated by the same vision and purpose.
An AUTHENTIC LOVE
"… genuinely concerned for your welfare." (Vs. 20)
Timothy had proven by his actions toward those around him that he was genuine. He authentically cared for other people and was interested in their good.
An UNSELFISH PASSION
"For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus." (Vs. 21)
Most people are self-centered and only concerned about what they can get from any situation or relationship. This godly man was concerned that Christ’s interests would be served. He lived to see and do what Christ desired.
A TENACIOUS LOYALTY
"But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father." (vs. 22)
Paul could count on Timothy, for Timothy continually served to advance the gospel of Christ. Paul knew he could trust Timothy with any situation, for there was no ulterior, selfish motive.
If Paul and Timothy were in your church, they might be a little intense for you. But I doubt it, for their intensity was matched by their compassion and love. These were the ones we look up to, who challenge us to more. The ones we want to emulate and follow.
The noteworthy thing is—for all their intensity—these are the men we're still talking about. These are the men who changed the world.
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