Philippians 2:19-22, “But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel”
We all love to work with reliable, trustworthy people, those who keep their word. As my friend Pastor Phil once wrote “At one time in American history there was a saying that a man’s word was his bond”, that has somehow changed over the years. I think this is why we want things written down (contracts, rules and regulations) discussed and agreed upon because man has a tendency of not following through what he has vowed to accomplish and needs to be kept accountable.
To count on someone is to have traits, patterns, testimony of who they are. And the thing I believe is the measuring stick is the word “consistency”. Consistency by definition is the state or quality of holding or sticking together and retaining shape. People who are consistent are not easily swayed by what is around. Some thinker penned these words “Consistency is better than rare great moments. It is not perfection; it is simply refusing to give up”. If you are persistent you will get it, if you are consistent, you will keep it.
Paul in writing to churches always talked about the state of some believers he worked with. You read either commendations (those he talks highly of) and/or those he discredits. Here we find that he had a soft spot for Timothy because for Timothy had demonstrated consistency in his faithfulness and reliability, and Paul could count on him. He writes Philippians 2:20, “For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus”. Timothy would be a true reflection on Paul the reason he entrusted him with this journey. Timothy had learned to think and act like Paul having taken to heart Paul’s words to the Corinthians, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” 1Corinthians 11:1. A few folks like Demas and John Mark had not demonstrated their consistency at some point therefore Paul would hesitate to send them to certain churches. Paul had confidence in Timothy something we want our bosses, pastors, leaders to think of us, however this is not a gift, this is developed over time.
We can understand how consistency is important; it allows others to provide us with seal of approval. We need to be regarded trustworthy for a cause. The last thing any man may want to do is give their word and not follow through. Often I hear children or wives says something like this, “you promised to do this or take me somewhere but now you are changing your mind” this comes about after changing the original plans to cater to other commitments that should not take priority over their word. Men need be counted on to be there when they say they will and set that example to others. We need to be men that work under minimum or no supervision to accomplish tasks for we have given our word. Men that can be trusted because the person assigning or involving us has considered us like minded as seen in our consistency. On our own we are unable, ask Peter who had good intentions of not denying Christ only to find his words fell short and could not be consistent with his actions.
Suppose you were one of the men that walked with Paul, would he consider you like minded entrusting you to a mission? Perhaps you will say no because you notice inconsistency in who you are and what you do.
Let’s us pray and ask the Lord to pray for us like He did for Peter that we be steadfast, immovable, always, continually, consistently doing the work of the Lord, knowing our labor is not in vain. Let us be men of our word. Blessings Ev
He Has Magnified His Word 