I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare.
– Philippians 2:19-20 (NIV)
I imagine these words of Paul are written with mixed feelings. He is undoubtedly thankful to have someone like Timothy by his side and also Epaphroditus who is mentioned in the next few verses. Paul is grateful to have people around him who are fully dedicated to the work of ministry. Yet, I cannot gloss over the words, “I have no one else like him.” I cannot help but wonder why.
Why does it seem that too few people are willing to go all in when it comes to their relationship with God, or their dedication to the work of ministry? Why is it that so many are willing to say, “just tell me what to do, and I’ll do it,” and to few are willing to see what needs done and respond accordingly. You might say, that sounds like leadership and not everyone is called to be a leader. To which I must respectfully disagree. We are all called to lead ourselves—to live a self-controlled life.
Not all of us are called to lead 100s or 1,000s of people, but all of us are called to lead at least 1. That 1 being the person who stares at us in the mirror. So, I revisit my question, “Why does it seem that too few people are willing to go all in when it comes to their relationship with God, or their dedication to the work of ministry?
Jesus told his followers to pray for workers because “the harvest was plentiful, but the workers are few.” Is it supposed to be that way, or are we just too relaxed in our individual responsibility to “go and make disciples?” Could it be said of you that you are someone that can be counted on? That you have a heart to serve and to be responsible without being pushed? Are you concerned enough for the things of God that you want to see something happen, therefore you refuse to be idle?
Our world needs more men and women who will earnestly strive for the things of God and dedicate themselves wholly to the Great Commission.