Called to serve

"I hope in the Lord Jesus to send you Timothy soon, so that I may be encouraged myself by learning what concerns you" (Philippians 2:19).

Here is Paul, sitting in a cell in Rome, thinking neither of his own comfort nor of his difficult situation. He was concerned only with the spiritual and physical condition of his people and he told them : "I will only be comforted when I know you are well - both physically and spiritually. That's why I send Timothy to see you from me."

Then Paul makes an alarming statement : "For I have no one here who shares my feelings, to sincerely take your situation to heart" (2:20) What sadness ! When Paul wrote this, the church of Rome grew and was blessed. Clearly, there were God-appointed leaders in the church in Rome, but Paul said there was no one to share the thought of Christ with him. Why ?

"All seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ" (2:21). Apparently, no official in Rome had a servant's heart, none had put aside his reputation to become a living sacrifice. Instead, everyone was pursuing their own interests. Nobody had the Spirit of Christ and Paul could trust no one to be a true servant to the believers there.

When we look at the Church today, we see the same thing happening in many congregations. The leaders and believers pursue the things of this world in the same way : money, reputation, materialism and success.

Paul's words can not be softened : "Everyone cares only about himself. Officials are only looking for their own interest. That's why I can not trust anyone to take care of your needs and your suffering - except Timothy."

My friends, we are called to serve the Church of Jesus Christ and, like Timothy, we must have a spirit of sacrifice, love and concern for others.

David Wilkerson