Philippians 2:19-30

Are you like me...when you read these verses about Timothy and Epaphroditis you sort of skim over them? There are spiritual nuggets in these verses.

Timothy was Paul’s spiritual son. Paul was training him to carry on the work of the ministry and wrote that Timothy “really cared about the welfare of the people... others cared only about themselves.” (vs. 20-21) I see two questions for me, for us. First, am I/are we as Christians too preoccupied with our own needs and schedules that we fall into the category of “caring only about ourselves,” not even seeing the people God brings across our path, let alone care for them? Second, who am I/are we mentoring?

Epaphroditis was referred to by Paul as a good friend and companion in his work (preaching the gospel)...a true brother, a faithful worker, and a courageous soldier “who risked his life for the work of Christ”...a missionary!!! Or maybe a church member like you and me. Most of us are not called to be a pastor or a foreign missionary, but we are called to be true brothers and sisters in the body of Christ, helping and supporting each other and our pastors. We are to be faithful to do what needs to be done (without having to be asked) and to be courageous soldiers – intercessors! Each of us is a missionary somewhere...in the grocery store, in our families, in our neighborhoods...to whoever God brings across our path each day.

When we get to heaven will we hear “well done, good and faithful servant?”