Philippians 2:20
“For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare.”
Paul is sending Timothy to Philippi to encourage, build up and bless the church. He pays him quite the complement in this verse. It appears that they haven’t met Timothy as Paul is introducing him.
We all want to be liked and thought well of. We try to put our best foot forward. Jesus gave us the commandments, to love God and others. If we are obedient and walking with Christ, we are growing in love. To be a pastor is to have love for one’s sheep. Timothy has that love.
Does that mean the rest on Paul’s team aren’t loving? No. It takes a shepherds heart to love the flock. We are all gifted in different ways. My nature prefers one to one. I can be caring with larger groups, but I get quiet. I am designed for one to one. I would be overwhelmed as a pastor. I tried to go that route, but God had other plans. He spared me a difficult life. I was sad that it didn’t work out, but it was for the best.
God designed Timothy to be a pastor. He was a good one. He had two new testament books written to him and had the greatest mentor of all time. He traveled with Paul on his missionary journeys. He also had a godly lineage. 2 Timothy 1:5 says, “having taken remembrance of the sincere faith within you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded that it is in you also.” He was raised in the faith.
I also had a godly mother. I can recall my friends’s dad complimenting her to my friend, “I like Mrs. O’Brien. She’s someone who hasn’t changed.” That is true. Culture didn’t appear to affect her. She went to daily mass and she was good to us. She wasn’t a parent that sought to be a friend to her kids. I mean that in the best way. She was a parent. She had no desire to impress anyone. She was sincere and god fearing. I can’t recall a single instance of her being concerned about anyone liking her. That might sound weird, but I mean it in the best way.
She was midwestern raised. They don’t “put on airs”. They don’t try to be better. It’s like humility is part of their culture. I love that. I don’t live there and humility isn’t part of the culture I live in. So I’m sure it can be distorted.
Timothy was gifted to be a pastor. We all have our gifts and there is that which comes with them. Timothy’s gift came with being genuinely concerned for their welfare. So, he could be counted on to do things that would good for them, but maybe not popular. That takes some strength. That requires strength.
Timothy appears to have some timidity in him. He might be the origin of that word. I Timothy 4:12 says, “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe”. It can be tough on someone who’s sensitive to command large groups. That pressure may have affected his health. I Timothy 5:23 says, “longer drink only water, but use a little wine, because of the stomach and your frequent ailments.” That isn’t conclusive, but it makes sense.
We are to be thankful for our pastors. I Thessalonians 5:12,13 says, “But we ask you, brothers and sisters, to recognize those who diligently labor among you and are in leadership over you in the Lord, and give you instruction, and that you regard them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.” A few verses later there is justification for paying pastors, ‘For the Scripture says, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE IT IS THRESHING,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages”’, (verse 18).
The bible has many examples of great leaders. Moses sticks out. He had a shepherds heart. He killed the Egyptian who was abusing on of his countryman. He led the largest migration. He was a counselor and judge. His father in law gave him wisdom to share that load. He is seen by jews to be one of their greats.
Lord, thank You for our leaders. You’ve gifted them and they are a blessing to us. Help us to be generous and encouraging to them.