INTEREST FOCUS

INTEREST FOCUS

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. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 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. —Philippians 2:19-22

It is a sad thing when followers of Jesus are looking out for their own interests and not those of Jesus. No other believer had a genuine interest in the Philippians as Timothy did. Well, at least Timothy had a sincere concern for the welfare of them. It is wonderful to have a Timothy who is willing to serve others and not just be concerned about their own interests (Philippians 2:4). Timothy had proved himself while serving with Paul “in the work of the gospel.” Paul was delighted to have a like-minded follower of Jesus to serve with him.

What a joy it is to serve with like-minded followers of Jesus who do have the interests of Jesus in mind. Personally, I have found great joy in serving with people that love to bring the gospel to others. This means going right into the heart of Satan’s domain, into the enemy’s strongholds, into the kingdom of darkness to bring the Light of Jesus. It is definitely spiritual warfare and is impossible to do in one’s own strength. Yea, I would not want to naturally do this. It is only for the Lord and in the Lord that I would even attempt to serve in this manner.

Somebody has said that “Only in the United States can somebody profess to be a follower of Jesus and live a life-long comfort by doing everything in their own strength.” How sad… It is such a joy to see the Lord’s hand at work in supernatural ways, knowing that it was He at work and not yourself. This is very evident when sharing the gospel with others and exciting when the Lord brings someone who is ready at that very moment to trust Jesus and call on His Name. We bring the gospel, He changes people. That is exciting.

Are you looking to the “interests of Jesus” or just “your own interests?” Oh, that you and I would be looking to the interests of Jesus as we walk through this day. May it be so!

Dear Father help me to be sensitive to the people I come into contact with today. May I boldly share Your gospel and may You be pleased to change their lives — all for Your glory! Oh, that this would be so in the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son. So be it!