When I think of people who care for others above themselves, my first thoughts are of mothers who tirelessly take care of their families. Those who stay up all night taking care of a sick child, make special meals to show love, work outside the home to meet the needs of the family, or stay home to take care of the family instead of seeking a career and money, doing without themselves so that others have what they need. However, the most important people who put others’ needs above their own, are those who share the gospel while putting themselves in harm’s way.
Paul was one of those people. He was beaten, stoned, and left for dead, shipwrecked, bitten by a snake, thrown out of cities for preaching the gospel, and imprisoned for his faith. A man who cared deeply for the souls of others. Enough that he risks his own life for them.
II Corinthians 11:25 “Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;”
Today Paul gives us a glimpse into the life of another man who did what he could to further the gospel. This man is only mentioned in the book of Philippians. His name is Epaphroditus. Paul speaks highly of him in Philippians. In the second chapter, he calls him his brother, companion in labor, and fellow soldier. He was with Paul supporting him and loving him like family. He was a brother in Christ to Paul. He was a faithful companion to Paul. Showing up when Paul needed him, and staying even through sickness. Scholars believe he labored with Paul by transcribing from Paul the words we find in Philippians. He also brought things needed by Paul from the Philippians to Paul. He was their messenger and he ministered to Paul’s wants and needs.
Philippians 2:25 “Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellow soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.”
Philippians 4:18 “But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.”
Philippians 4:23 “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” To the Philippians written from Rome, by Epaphroditus.
Epaphroditus became sick while he was with Paul. The scriptures do not say what illness he had, but that he was so sick he was near death. Word of his illness had gotten back to the Philippians and they were worried about him. He must have exhibited the character trait of putting others first while ministering to the Philippians because he showed us his heart because he was more worried about how they felt than his own physical condition. Philippians 2:26 tells us that Epaphroditus was “full of heaviness,” meaning his emotions were concerned for them. He wanted to go to them and convince them he was ok. He wanted to relieve their anxiety, to assure them God had taken care of him. In our eyes they had a right to be concerned, verse 27 tells he was near death! Yet, his heart was turned toward them.
Philippians 2:26-27 “For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness because that ye had heard that he had been sick. For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.”
Paul was also this kind of person. He wanted Epaphroditus to go to the Philippians so they could rejoice at his coming. It was an opportunity for them to rejoice at what the Lord had done, and to see His goodness in the healing of His servant. He encouraged them to “hold such in reputation.” This phrase means to respect and honor God’s man, one who served the Lord by putting God’s work first in His life. We see here that Paul again gave them a great example of this selfless love, showing it by putting others first above himself. He is in prison and mentions nothing about himself. He’s concerned for the Philippians and for Epaphroditus.
Php 2:28-30 “I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.”
We too are to place others’ needs and feelings above our own. We can only do this by placing Christ first in our lives and choosing to be like Him each day. It is a hard task because He was perfect, but we are to seek to be like Him in all we do. We must make the choice each day to think of others first. Sickness will come, tragedy and death will surround us, but Christ must be before us if we are going to succeed in having this kind of mindset. We will only find the fullness of joy, the deep peace that settles our soul, and the love that is eternal when we are willing to give ourselves away for the betterment of others. Some Christians will experience this because they are seeking to be like Christ. They make each day a new day of surrender to His will, not their own. However, most will not, most will live a hoe-hum life having bits and pieces of joy and satisfaction. They do not love Christ more than they love themselves. They are committed to their own comfort. Their joy, peace, and love are based on their circumstances, not their commitment. They have failed to discipline themselves enough to do what is best, not just what is ok.
Where do you stand in this quest to put others first? If your idea of putting others first means fitting them into your schedule, then they are not first! I understand that we must work, that time is not our own, but our time, the time we chose what we will do, should be scheduled thinking of others. All that we have and all that we are belongs to the Lord and should be used for His glory. What better way to show Christ’s love than by being a considerate giving person? If you will seek to live this way, there are no words to express the blessings God will give to your soul.
