READY:
“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
SET:
Paul is imprisoned while he is writing this letter to the Philippians, which keeps him from traveling to share the Gospel. Instead of feeling sorry for himself, he plans to send Timothy in his place. He and Timothy’s relationship is one for the ages; Paul discipled Timothy closely and taught him many things of the Lord. Timothy already knew much about the Lord from his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5), but Paul helped to build on that foundation. In your own life, I want you to ask yourself: would the most respected person in your life be comfortable with sending you in their place? Could it be said of you by those in your life that they have none like you? That you are that set apart from everyone else?
The reason Timothy was so set apart was because of his genuine care for others and their needs and interests. This completely changes the game of what standing out looks like in the sport world. Most athletes are trying to become set apart from the crowd by putting the focus on themselves and their abilities, interests and wants. They’re trying to showcase their talents, their highlights, all the details about their lives. But the real way to stand out is to be genuine in your care for others and your love for Christ.
Do you stand out for how you genuinely see and care for those around you? Or do you stand out because of your selfishness and self-promotion? Romans 12:10 tells us to “love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. Take the lead in honoring one another.” Take the lead. Be the first one to do it, don’t wait on someone else to take the lead. What would it look like for you to take the lead in honoring those around you above yourself? To love those around you deeply as you would a brother or sister?
Timothy’s character was proven in how he lived out the genuineness of his faith. Will you take the lead and do the same in your own circle of influence?
GO:
What sets you apart from those around you: your selfishness or your ability to honor others above yourself?
What changes can you make in your life to qualify yourself as someone who’d be sent like Timothy was sent by Paul?
WORKOUT:
OVERTIME:
“Dear Lord, you know my tendencies to turn inward instead of looking outward. Please help me to not just hear Your Word but genuinely do Your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen.”