Philippians 2:19–30
The true greatness of a person lies in serving others and in emptying himself for the glory of Christ. In today’s passage Paul introduces two men who are excellent examples of selfless service and love for Christ. The first is Timothy. For Paul, Timothy was not only a fellow worker but was like a “son.” He was a man who never put his own comfort or interest first. While many people were seeking their own advantage, Timothy truly cared for others and gave himself fully to the work of Jesus Christ. He was a dependable and humble servant who stayed with Paul through the hard journeys of spreading the gospel. The second is Epaphroditus, whom Paul calls his brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier. He was a courageous messenger sent by the church at Philippi to help Paul. While serving Paul he became so seriously ill that he came close to death. Yet even at the risk of his life, he put the work of Christ and the care of Paul first. He is an important example of a man who held the church together in the midst of sacrifice and suffering.
How many of us have seen people like Timothy and Epaphroditus — people who seek not their own things, but the things above? They were “living examples” of the humility and service of Christ. The gospel was revealed through the lives they lived. Paul tells the believers that such people should be held in “high honour.”
Our churches today need such selfless servants — people who are ready to put the kingdom of Christ and the good of their brothers and sisters ahead of their own comfort. Do you want to be that person? Do you seek the things of Christ? Or are you always busy with your own concerns? You do not need a great passage or a great platform in order to serve; you need only a devoted and humble heart. Take one small, selfless step today to meet someone’s need.
Prayer: Lord, make me faithful like Timothy and courageous like Epaphroditus. Give me a heart that seeks the good of others. Amen.