Set Yourself Apart - Paul And Timothy

I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares about your welfare. All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ. But you know how Timothy has proved himself.

Philippians 2:20-22

In his memoir Death Be Not Proud, American author John Gunther recounted his son Johnny’s courage and selflessness when his doctors told him about the brain tumors that would take his life.

When doctors first informed Johnny Gunther of his prognosis, he didn’t think of himself, but of his mother and father. He looked his surgeon in the eye and asked, “How shall we break it to my parents?”

That rare kind of selflessness puts others’ needs ahead of its own—and Timothy provides us with a great example of it.

The apostle Paul instructed the Philippians to selflessly look out for each others’ needs (see Philippians 2:3-4) and then put a face on his instruction by pointing to Timothy, the best example he knew of such selflessness.

Paul knew Timothy well. The young man had accompanied the apostle on his second missionary journey (see Acts 16) and had visited the Philippians several times over the following years. During those visits, Timothy stood out to Paul and the Philippian Christians as a selfless servant (see Philippians 2:22).

Timothy regularly put his character and faith on display in meaningful, tangible ways. He didn’t just possess God’s love; he poured it out on others as he served with little concern for himself.

Timothy didn’t set himself apart through loud bragging or self-promotion but by serving others from a sincere and compassionate heart. Isn’t that something you could do?

You set yourself apart from the crowd when you focus your attention on meeting others’ needs. Of course, to do that, you first have to know what they are. What are your wife’s greatest needs? What does your family need from you? Your work associates? Your friends? If you don’t already know, spend some time this week finding out.