Key Verse: “Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon so that I too may be encouraged by news about you. 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)
As a parent, one of the things that I’ve observed is that my children tend to act and talk just like me. Often times, for good or for bad, the words that come out of their mouths or how they choose to respond in a situation is a direct reflection of what they’ve heard or seen in me. (Now you know how to pray for them!)
We know from the Scriptures that Jesus is the ultimate example whom we should be following. Our attitude is to be like that of Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5). In all things we are to follow in his steps (1 Peter 2:21).
At the same time, however, the Scriptures make room for human examples that we can look up to and follow as well. Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, “Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Elsewhere, the author of Hebrews tells us to, “Remember your leaders who have spoken God’s word to you. As you carefully observe the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7).
From a human standpoint, Timothy was someone whom the Apostle Paul commended to the church of Philippi while Paul was absent from them. Paul wrote of his desire to send Timothy to them as soon as possible for the purpose of mutual encouragement.
Notice the two things about Timothy that made him such a commendable person in Paul’s eyes. First, it was his compassion. Paul wrote, “For I have no one else like-minded who will genuinely care about your interests” (v.20). Timothy wasn’t the type of guy who asked how you were doing, but then walked away before you had a chance to answer. He genuinely cared about the well-being of those whom he served. While others were seeking their own interests (v.21), Timothy was a model of selfless love and humility.
Second, Timothy was a person of proven character. Paul wrote, “But you know his proven character, because he has served with me in the gospel ministry like a son with a father” (v.22). Timothy had passed the test and proven himself faithful. He was devoted to the Lord, and to serving the needs of others. He was a man of integrity and someone who could be counted on by Paul.
Like Timothy, who are the people that you look up to when it comes to faith in Jesus Christ? What is it that sets them apart? Is it their character and compassion? Is it their devotion to the Lord and to serving the needs of others?
Remember, none of us are perfect, except for Jesus. All of us are in desperate need of His grace. We must always be careful not to elevate people too high. At the same time, however, there is wisdom in surrounding ourselves with men and women of faith whom we can emulate and follow. Who are you looking up to today?
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for the godly examples of those around me who faithfully follow you. Give me wisdom as I seek out men and women whom I can emulate in my faith. Draw me to those of proven character and compassion. Amen.
Author: Jonathan Miller has served in pastoral roles for more than 13 years in churches in Barrie, Oakville and Burlington, Ontario. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Prison Fellowship Canada, a ministry that mobilizes and equips local churches to engage in the restorative work of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims across Canada. Jon holds degrees from McMaster University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Adrienne have been married since 2004, and live in Burlington, Ontario with their 4 children. Jon’s greatest passion is to know Jesus and to see lives transformed by Him and for Him.
