Be a Blessing to Others

"I have no one else like him (Timothy), who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 2:20-21 NIV)

"For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2:20-21 NKJV)

This is a wonderful tribute Paul made to Timothy. Timothy and Paul were like-minded; they both desired to do God's will, to proclaim the gospel, and to glorify God. Timothy (like Paul) sincerely cared about the spiritual welfare of the believers in Philippi. Paul trusted Timothy because Timothy had proven his character by his faithful service. Timothy was a great example of Philippians 2:4 even though he was young. Good leaders genuinely care for their people and lead them with a servant heart.

Paul said everyone (except Timothy) looks out for their own interests. Sadly, it's the norm. People back then were no different than people nowadays in term of being "me-centered". They were occupied with their own concerns and did not want to be inconvenienced. Timothy was Christ-centered and other-oriented. Christ must have preeminence in our lives. If we put anything above Him, we commit a sin of idolatry. He must come first before our spouses, our children, our relationships, our jobs, and ourselves. "Jesus said to His disciples, 'Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me.'" (Matthew 16:24) Do you seek to do your own things or do you seek to do the things which pertain to Jesus Christ and His kingdom? May we share Paul's passion: "I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace." (Acts 20:24) Selfishness/self-centeredness is a major hindrance to unity and ministry. Selfishness is sin. We need to deny self/die to self daily and live for God and be a blessing to others. "From self denial in the spiritual worship of God flows self surrender to the will of God, and from self surrender flows selfless service in the work of God." (John MacArthur)

"He (God) is more concerned about our character as expressed in servant living than our comfort. His ultimate goal is not to pamper us physically or emotionally, but to perfect us spiritually, conforming us into the character of the Lord Jesus. The Lord Jesus gave Himself redemptively for us to restore us to God and create a people who would live as servants of God in the service of others proclaiming the good news and loving others for Him. Thus, as Christ gave Himself, so God wants us to give ourselves for others." (J. Hampton Keathley III)

"We must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God. God will be constantly crossing our paths and canceling our plans by sending us people with claims and petitions. We may pass them by, preoccupied with our more important tasks . . . It is a strange fact that Christians frequently consider their work so important and urgent that they will allow nothing to disturb them . . . But it is part of the discipline of humility that we must not spare our hand where it can perform a service and that we do not assume our schedule is our own to manage, but allow it to be rearranged by God." (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

"Oh, to see the needs of others

More important than our own,

Following our Lord's example
When He left His heavenly throne." (Sper)

"Others, Lord, yes, others,

Let this my motto be;

Help me to live for others,

That I might live like Thee." (Charles D. Meigs)

To ponder: What practical things can you do to be a blessing to others today? Do you have a sincere concern for others (without ulterior motives)? Do you help/serve others with genuine, unconditional love (without expecting anything in return)? Do you get annoyed when someone interrupts your free time with his/her needs? Do you demand recognition or appreciation? Is it a joy or a chore for you to serve others?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help me to love and serve others like Jesus. Please open my eyes to see the needs of others and how I can meet those needs. Please take away my selfishness and help me put others above myself. Please empower me to do Your will and Your kingdom work with joy and perseverance. May my life be a blessing to You and to others! In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Below is a video that my daughter made of her short term mission trip onboard the Logos Hope in 2011 (she was 18). I love this song, Give Me Your Eyes by Brandon Heath, which goes well with today's post.