Perspectives

Philippians 2:19-23… 19) I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20) I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare, 21) For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22) 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. (NIV)

Strange how things change as we age; at times we think we are so independent that the friendship and help of others is not necessary. Yet even the apostle Paul says that he needed his friend Timothy to cheer him up. “There is no one like Timothy who has a real interest in you,” he says. “All the others seem to be worrying about their own plans and not those of Jesus Christ.”

The apostle Paul sounds like most of us. We all need companionship. Can you imagine what this world would be like without people who stand with us during the good times and hard times? Let’s face it; we need friends to help us through life. Friends who share the same interests we do. These folks can make an enormous difference in our lives. Folks that have been helpful, gracious and generous with their time… I must admit I sometimes think I do not need their help, I think I can go it alone. However, it does not take very long for me to come to my senses and find that I am not as independent as I thought I was.

Did you know that we are important to God? Actually, we are His greatest success story. He made us in His image. It was for the salvation of all of us that Christ went to the cross and died, and it will be for us that He will someday return.

Now, some questions that I struggle with as a Christian today: Is my life being changed? Do my actions show growth in Christ? Am I more mature this year than I was last year? What about my thoughts of life, is it becoming more Christ-like? Being a Christ follower is a lifelong journey. God has called us to live lives as level-headed Christians. By that, I mean our lives must be changed into the very image of Christ, so that we can reflect our faith in sensible ways. As we grow in Christ-likeness, we then will really have an impact on others in the year 2015.

Timothy and Paul experienced a deep friendship. Their ideas were much the same, they had the same vision, and they were in step with each other’s ministry. Their outlook or viewpoint on life was in line with each other’s thinking. They could rely on one another for advice and help. Most of us have many good friends; we must admit that some are closer then others. But finding someone who we can share or secret thoughts with is a bit uncommon today.

Paul and Timothy never tried to be a substitute for Jesus. Their messages were identical; that the love of Christ reaches out to us, waiting for us to reach back in faith to Him. They never tried to take the place of Christ. Their message was that Christ could change our hearts. No one else could turn our entire life around. Who else but Christ was able to remove not only our sins, our guilt, our shame or any other dark secrets in our past?

If Christ is our example then we see that there is no cross without a crown. If we suffer because of Christ, we shall also reign with Him. We are God’s leading light in a dark age. No flame can shine brightly when it is covered. The Christian who brings honor to the Lord must seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit so not to grieve the Holy Spirit.

Would you pray this prayer with me …“Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitude need to change. I do not have the peace in my heart that I yearn for. I really want that Peace, joy and happiness that will fulfill my heart’s desire. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will honour Your Name.” Amen.