Philippians 2:19-20 - "Ordinary Saints with Extraordinary Hearts"

Let'sbegin by reading Philippians 2:19-20: "But I trust in the Lord Jesus tosend Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know yourstate. For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for yourstate." What a remarkable statement! Remember, Paul is writing from aRoman prison. He is chained to a Roman guard. He is uncertain about the outcomeof his trial. Yet even while facing his own problems, his heart is focused onthe believers at Philippi. That is the mark of a mature Christian. A matureChristian does not become consumed with his own troubles. He remains concernedabout others. Paulwanted to know how the Philippian believers were doing. Were they standingfirm? Were they remaining united? Were they growing spiritually? He careddeeply about them. But Paul faced a problem. He could not go himself. So helooked around for someone he could trust. Among all the believers in Rome, Paulfound one man whom he believed would genuinely care for the Philippians. Thatman was Timothy. Paul says, "I have no one like-minded." Thephrase "like-minded" carries the idea of being of the same soul orkindred spirit. Timothy had spent years traveling with Paul, learning from him,serving alongside him, suffering with him, and praying with him. Over time,Timothy began to develop the same heart that Paul had. That is whatdiscipleship is all about. Jesusspent three years with His disciples. Paul spent years with Timothy. Godlycharacter is often caught as much as it is taught. Timothy learned how to carefor people by watching Paul care for people. I am reminded of what Paul wrotein 1 Corinthians 11:1: "Imitate me, just as I also imitateChrist." Every believer needs someone to learn from and someone tohelp. One of the greatest needs in our churches today is spiritual mentoring.Older believers should be encouraging younger believers. More mature Christiansshould be helping those who are younger in the faith. Timothyhad a servant's heart. Notice Paul says that Timothy would "sincerelycare" for their welfare. The word means genuine concern. Not professionalconcern.    Not forced concern. Notconcern because it was his job. Genuine concern. Timothy truly cared aboutpeople. That immediately raises a question for us. Do we genuinely care aboutothers? It is easy to become wrapped up in our own schedules, our own plans,our own problems, and our own needs. Yet Jesus constantly looked beyond Himselfto the needs of others. Even while hanging on the cross, He cared for Hismother. Even while suffering, He prayed for His enemies. Even while dying, Hesaved a thief. That is the heart of Christ. Onepastor said, "People don't care how much you know until they know how muchyou care." How true that is.Peopleare looking for genuine Christians who will listen, pray, encourage, and help. Asimple phone call can change someone's day. A handwritten note can strengthen adiscouraged believer. A visit can encourage someone who feels forgotten. Aprayer can lift a burden. You never know what God can dothrough a caring heart. The submissive mind always produces concern for others.Selfishness asks, "What can others do for me?" Love asks, "Whatcan I do for others?" Perhapstoday there is someone God has placed on your heart. Maybe it is a familymember. Maybe it is a neighbor. Maybe it is a fellow church member. Maybe it issomeone who is hurting. Don't ignore that prompting. Reach out. Encourage them.Pray for them. Show them the love of Christ. That is exactly what Timothy wouldhave done. And that is exactly what Christ would have us do. Let'spray. Father, thank You for the example of Timothy. Give us hearts thatgenuinely care for others. Deliver us from selfishness and help us to seepeople through Your eyes. Use us today to encourage someone and point them toJesus Christ. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.