LifeLink Devotions for Tuesday, August 13, 2024

The Book of Philippians is an incredible book because the author, Paul, expresses multiple reasons for joy while he is suffering in prison. Each day we are discovering a new truth that helps us to be more joyful people, and today we discover the importance of having intimate friendships. Paul had a student whom he was mentoring and molding for ministry. His name was Timothy, and he brought Paul great joy. A first glance at today’s scripture passage reveals what cheered Paul up.  

Philippians 2:19-24 “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.”

Paul was filled with anticipation of receiving heart-warming news from the people at Philippi when Timothy returned from visiting them. But we learn something much deeper in these verses: true joy is not based on information but on intimacy.

Unfortunately, so many of us base our joy on what’s happening to us instead of Who’s working in us. However, joy is not a product of our circumstances, but rather it is the produce (the fruit) of the Holy Spirit in us. Joy is experienced to the fullest when there is intimacy of relationship with God. That intimacy will then flourish in our relationships with people, so that even when circumstances are ugly, our spirits can be filled with joy.

Look at how Paul describes his relationship with Timothy: he has no one else like him who takes a genuine concern for the people he serves. Timothy is described as a humble, compassionate, caring, loving and sacrificial servant of God and people. He has proven himself worthy of leadership because he has put the work of Jesus Christ ahead of all else. We can hear in Paul’s words the joy in his heart to have a partner in the work like Timothy.

I am challenged by three things as I consider this type of intimacy. Let me reveal the first challenge today. It starts with a question that pounds in my heart.

1. Am I being a Timothy to the people God has given me to shepherd by showing genuine concern for their welfare? I hope they see that in me, because it is my heart. I never want ministry to be a job that must be done, but rather a privilege that gets to be done.

My desire is that each of you looks at your place of service or ministry within your church in the same way. When serving becomes your obligation it is time to check your attitude and place of service. When we are using the spiritual gifts God gives it is with love and grace that we use them, not obligation. And it is with the power of the Holy Spirit that we serve so we never grow weary. As Paul says in another passage in Galatians, “let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

Intimacy with Jesus through the indwelling Holy Spirit produces joy that endures through all circumstances of life and sustains us. Let that joy flow out of you in your relationships with others.

Pastor John