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 brief life as a pastor, many people have touched me in various ways. Their acts of kindness, words that encourage, straight talk and rebuke, calls and messages that edify and assure, invitations to dine after a long Sunday, and many more I cannot recall. They each ministered to me in their peculiar ways. Yet, few people have touched me as this young man did. It was an act of love and care that fills my eyes with tears, even today, as I write in retirement from Ghana. 

I woke up around nine forty-five that morning with so much on my mind. Our apartment building vibrated 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 returned home. [AK1] 

“Where are you, Sallieu?”

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

After a short discussion, I picked up my car keys and headed for the door. 

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

“To the church.”

“Pastor, you texted me 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 must leave.”

“Give me thirty minutes, please.”

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

He got me out of my office alright, and he made sure I headed in the right direction – towards my house.

My wife rushed to our bedroom to reprimand me as I slid under the sheets, but she was too late. My locomotive engine was already cruising on Slumberland Highway.

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

It reminds me of the testimony of Paul 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).

Do you take care of your pastor in this way? Many congregation members are unaware of the importance of their pastor’s private time. They haven’t considered how their pastor’s well-being and the welfare of his family directly affect his ministry. So, what can you do to lighten your pastor’s ministry responsibilities and allow him time to rejuvenate before the Lord?

This need goes beyond the pastor to our offices. There are people in our offices struggling to meet their deadlines and targets. They can use a helping hand so they can meet their deadlines. A touch of the Savior’s hand through your compassionate offer would relieve their burden and refresh their souls. Is that not bringing the Gospel invitation to them where you are (Matt 11:28)?

 May the Lord bless you according to His faithful word in Proverbs 11:25:

 A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

Shalom

 [AK1]The flow of events isn’t too clear from here to this sentence “ My wife rushed to our bedroom as I slid under the sheets, but my locomotive engine was speeding off on Slumberland Highway.”

Did you go back home from the talibe house before heading out again to the church office?