Daily EncouragementSample

“No one else like him” - the reference is to Timothy. What Paul means is that Timothy’s main interests in life are supremely the interests of Jesus Christ, and these inevitably lead him to have a genuine interest in others and a negligible interest in himself.

“For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.” The indictment is a serious one, and the issue not all that simple. “Many people,” said Martin Luther, “perform fine works, but they completely follow their own inclinations.” The philosophy of our day encourages such an attitude, with its emphasis on self-image, self-fulfilment, self-satisfaction. This sort of phraseology however much Christians try to sanctify it, tends to engender a self-centred approach to life. Doubtless Paul and Timothy had fun and excitement in their lives, but they would hardly have described the motives for their ministry in such terms.

“Would Paul have placed me with Timothy or with the rest?” - perhaps that is a healthy question for each of us to ask. Timothy was not a strong leader - he was more of a “second fiddle” and was somewhat timid. However, that does not blunt the challenge of his life and service. Rather, it sharpens the point!