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 twenty-year life as the pastor of the International Baptist Church of Dakar, many people in various ways have touched me. Their acts of kindness, word of encouragement, straight talk and rebuke, calls and messages that edify and assure, invitations to dine after a tiring Sunday, and many more I cannot recall. These have all ministered to me in their peculiar ways. These have come from people of all walks of life and from all over the world – the benefit of pastoring a real international church of a very transient nature. My heart goes to you wherever you may be and reading this special devotion.

Remembering something that touched my heart beyond measure on Friday, 26 August 2016, has brought these memories that bring tears to my eyes.

I woke up late at nine forty-five and rushed through a quick breakfast. I dashed out my door and sped towards the home that houses our ministry to the street children of Dakar. They had left early to visit one of them at the clinic.

Are you still at the clinic? How is the boy?

“He is alright, Pastor.”

“So where are you”?

“Right by your apartment. I am coming up.”

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

“Where are you going, Pastor?”

“To the church for a brief time and be back.”

“But I thought you texted me you slept at five this morning,” he said, looking straight into my eyes.

“Just a few minutes to tie some things together and be back in bed snoring, I promise.”

Some time later, my office door sounded.

“Pastor, you must leave,” this young man commanded me.

“Give me thirty minutes, please.”

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

At home, my wife rushed to our bedroom, wanting to have a conversation. But tired, my answers were incoherent and spacey. Soon I had drifted off and speeding on the road to wonderland.

This experience reminds me of Paul on Timothy. He commended Timothy for serving with him well in ministry. Timothy proved himself well as a son with his father, even when everybody looked after their own interest (Phil. 2:21-22).

Is that how you care for your Pastor?

Do you even know that your Pastor is human and needs as much time for himself as you do?

Are you aware the welfare of your Pastor affects his effectiveness in ministry? Do you think about his family, other responsibilities, and rest time?

Knowing this now, what can you do to relieve your Pastor of some ministry responsibilities and give him time to refresh before the Lord?

Do not forget that he is also human and needs all that you require from him.