If read slowly and carefully, various statements of the apostle Paul are really quite astounding, in terms of what they say or imply about the experiences he passed through. Here is one of them:
Philippians 2:19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. 20 For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel
What, Paul?
You know nobody who will care for the Philippians sincerely, whom you could send to them? Timothy alone?
All seek their own interests, instead of those of Jesus Christ?
I suppose that this may well have an implied limitation; Paul knew of nobody who was available to be sent to the Philippians. But even so, it is very striking.
It ties in with what is in chapter 1 of the same letter. Most of the brethren in the Lord had become bolder in preaching Christ.... but whilst some preached him sincerely, in some other cases, they preached him with an attitude (was it known to them themselves, and how consciously?) of envy and strife; they preached from selfish ambition, wanting to lift themselves up. They were true brethren, as far as we can understand what Paul says; yet they had a driving heart-motive for their own advancement, in some imagined competition against the apostle.
Anybody who thinks that this isn't a pattern to be found in so many places... well, just spend a few moments on social media, looking at the Christian blog/Tweet/whatever-o-sphere. (And then stop spending time there!). Selfish ambition, personal advancement, the imaginary competition against other servants of Christ - if this isn't what's driving a lot of activity, including where Christ is truly preached and named, then, there are many things going on that I can find no other explanation for.
How is it, then, with us? Do we care for Christ's people sincerely, and not just out of duty, or for some side-benefits (or even a salary)? Do we care for them simply because we love Christ, and by extension love his bride? Are we glad to have something given to us to do by the Master, amongst his people? Do we speak of Christ because we want people to know him in his wonder and glory, and not because deep within we want to push ourselves forward?
One other thing that Philippians shows us is that nonetheless, Paul rejoiced in Christ; even what he found amongst his fellow servants and preachers could do nothing to stop him rejoicing in Christ. It is known as the epistle of joy. How come? Surely because, Christ is so great and precious, that if we know him and are fixing our eyes upon him, then we just can't help it. The man who is enjoying a wonderful feast together with his greatest Friend, cannot but enjoy the feast, even if he knows that there are other guests there with some strange and regrettable things going on inside them. (Of those barred from the feast, outside, gnashing their teeth, we don't hear speak). Paul saw Christ, and so he rejoiced. May God help us to do likewise.
