stephen R Harrison

(Read Philippians 2:26-28)

I don’t remember my dad missing a workday because of sickness. It’s not that he wasn’t sick, he just pushed through and didn’t think about himself. He wasn’t lazy, had an incredible work ethic, and felt responsible for his family. I recall a time he had a kidney stone and passed it while at work. I remember my mom taking him soup at the mill because he was sick. Perhaps he should have called in sick a few times. However, sickness wouldn’t stop him from working and providing for his family.

Somewhere on his way to Rome to visit Paul under house arrest, Epaphroditus became ill. The Philippians somehow learned of his sickness and were concerned about him.  Paul addressed their concerns in his letter to them.  He wanted them to know their minister did his job even while sick unto death. Epaphroditus was distressed as well because they found out about his illness. He didn’t want them to fret over him. He wasn’t concerned for himself but for their grief.  He could have easily turned back or neglected his duties.  Everyone would have understood. However, he stayed to minister to Paul.  What a powerful testimony of selflessness!  

Paul wanted the Philippians to know Epaphroditus was well and that he missed them. Paul was also unselfish, desiring to send him back to them so they would rejoice.  Paul’s “sorrow” (v. 27) and “anxiety” (v. 28) weren’t for himself but out of concern for Epaphroditus as he “almost died” (v. 27).  Perhaps Paul was also concerned that Epaphroditus almost died trying to serve him.  Paul’s selfless attitude was thankful for his friend but also burdened at the thought of Epaphroditus becoming sick on his account.  Paul was also concerned for the Philippians’ grief, so he sent Epaphroditus back to comfort them. Epaphroditus greatly benefited Paul as a brother, worker, soldier, and friend (v. 25), so keeping him in Rome would have been easy.  Paul felt Epaphroditus had finished his ministry task with him and now was on a new one to serve the Philippians. Both Paul and Epaphroditus displayed deep brotherly love.  Brotherly love is humble, thankful, selfless, and serving.  This kind of witness for Jesus is powerful.

Questions for the Head (Think)

• Do you push past discomfort to serve the Lord and others?  Or does the slightest discomfort cause you to stop?

Reflection for the Heart (Worship)

• As you worship, ask the Lord to increase your resilience and perseverance to serve the Lord and others.

Action for the Hands (Do)At what point do you back away from ministry?  Is it when your plans are altered? Is it the excuse that you’re tired from work or family? God doesn’t want us to neglect family (our primary ministry) or serve consistently at a detriment to health.  Ministry, however, is hard work and requires sacrifice. Allow the Spirit to evaluate the effort you put into ministry and the point at which discomfort causes you to back away from ministry.