Take Timothy, for instance…
“Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon… For I have no one else like-minded who will genuinely care about your interests; all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know his proven character, because he has served with me in the gospel ministry like a son with a father.” – Philippians 2:19-22, CSB
A pattern, not a snapshot
Timothy had been proven over time. He had a track record which revealed him as a man who would consistently care for the interests of the people and the interests of Christ. His prioritizing of the interest of Christ and of others over his own was observable and could be seen in the way he served with Paul “like a son with a father.” Paul’s care for the church became Timothy’s. He gave himself to that ministry alongside Paul, not just occasionally or when it was convenient, but consistently over time. While others, even others in ministry, would so often return to seeking their own interests, distracted with what was better for them personally, Timothy stayed the course. How did he do it?
Three ‘Stay the Course’ patterns:
Timothy had an example to follow. He imitated and learned from Paul. He served with Paul as a son with a father, absorbing his wisdom and his ways. He didn’t have to reinvent the wheel!
Like Paul, Timothy sought the interest of Christ. He lived for this, saturating his life in the gospel. As a result, the mission of God flowed in his veins.
Like Paul, Timothy understood God’s heart for His people. For him, the gospel was not an individualistic self-bettering plan, but God’s plan for building a redeemed community that would carry His presence and His mission. Timothy had the big picture in mind as he ministered to them, giving the people not just what they wanted, but what they really needed.
Think:
Who has fathered or mothered you in faith, in life, and in ministry, not just through books or preaching but through relationship and hands-on involvement? Who has significantly shaped the way you think and serve? Is there someone whose ways have you intentionally observed and absorbed? Is anyone mentoring you now?
Paul says he has no one else like Timothy, who would seek the interests of Christ and of the Philippian church in particular. What do you think this means? In what ways could you be tempted to seek your own interests before the interests of Christ or His people? What helps you stay focused on the interests of God’s people?
How would you describe your view the gospel? Do you tend to see it more as a self-betterment plan or as God’s plan for a redeemed community carrying His presence on His mission in the earth? “Me and Jesus?” Or “We and Jesus?”
Do you have any ‘Timothys’ in your life who are being influenced and shaped intentionally by your example? Do you want to? Ask God to raise you up into the kind of leader who does!
Prayer:
“Father, I know it’s Your view of the gospel that will fill my heart with life and vision! Help me to serve Your church with the interests of Christ as my focus. Help me to serve as a loved and favored son or daughter, and as a result, I pray that I have the privilege to raise and release many more sons and daughters who think and serve the same way.”