Philippians 2:21-22

New International Version (NIV)

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.

For meditation

In my short life as a pastor, I have been touched by many people in various ways through their acts of kindness, words of encouragement, straight talk and rebuke, calls and messages that edify and assure, invitations to dine after a hard and difficult Sunday, and many more I cannot recall. They have all ministered to me in their special and peculiar ways. Yet, few people have touched me as this young man did yesterday. It was an act of love and care that fills my eyes with tears even as I write.

I woke up in the morning around nine forty-five with so much on my mind. Our apartment building  shook as I dashed out my door and sped towards the home that houses our ministry to the street children of Dakar, called Talibes. The cleaner was the only one there. My hand quickly went through my pocket, but I realized I could not call until I got back to my house.

“Where are you, Sallieu?”

“Right by your apartment,” he said. “I am coming up.”

After going through a few things, I picked my car keys and headed for the door.

“Where are you going, Pastor,” Sallieu said.

“To the church.”

“Pastor, you texted me that you slept at five this morning,” he shot back.

“Just a few minutes and I will be back under my sheets, I promise.”

A short time after, Sallieu was knocking on my office door.

“Pastor, you have to leave.”

“Give me thirty minutes, please.”

“Thirty minutes it is, Pastor. I am keeping the time.”

My wife rushed to our bedroom as I slid under the sheets, but before she could get some answers, my locomotive engine had taken off.

What love! What concern for a pastor! This young man made sure that I got enough sleep or no work.

It reminds me of Paul’s testimony about Timothy. “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” (Phil. 2:21-22).

1. Is that how you care for your Pastor?
2. Do you even know that your Pastor needs as much time for himself as everybody else?
3. Are you aware that there is a direct correlation between your Pastor’s welfare and his effectiveness in ministry?
4. Before piling every situation in our life on our Pastor, can we think about his family and other responsibilities; not forgetting his rest time?
5. What can you do to relieve your Pastor of some ministry responsibilities and give him time to refresh before the Lord?

I pray you prayerfully consider this and lighten the burden of your Pastor.

So: May you step into your ministry at your church with joy; and may the Lord bless you with a prophet’s reward as you refresh your Pastor tomorrow and beyond.

Shalom