people are more important than things...

here is this 2nd chapter of philippians paul who is in prison has looked at conflict, complaining and change. now he turns his attention to two men and their qualities that GOD values.

the first man is timothy. here is what he says in verses 19-24 (ms), i plan (according to JESUS' plan) to send timothy to you very soon so he can bring back all the news of you he can gather. oh, how that will do my heart good! i have no one quite like timothy. he is loyal, and genuinely concerned for you. most people around here are looking out for themselves, with little concern for the things of JESUS. but you know yourselves that timothy's the real thing. he's been a devoted son to me as together we've delivered the message. as soon as i see how things are going to fall out for me here, i plan to send him off. and then i'm hoping and praying to be right on his heels.

it would be great if someone would say about us, verses 20,21 (ms), he is...genuinely concerned for you. most people around here are looking out for themselves, with little concern for the things of JESUS

paul says timothy is the only one he knows that cares not just about himself but about other people; he's compassionate.

people of compassion put people before profits because over the long haul relationships are more valuable than things. the bible says, if i have not love i am nothing. now abides these three things: faith, hope and love. but the greatest of these is love. you can be a success in everything else but if you don't have love in your life you're a failure. GOD is looking for people of compassion.

now compassion is protecting the needs and rights of people. too often we're just in it for ourselves, not caring what other people need or want.

is it possible to get so wrapped up and committed to your business that you forget your family? phillips translates this verse, they are all wrapped up in their own affairs.

a good example of the man of compassion is the good samaritan in luke. he was on a business trip from jerusalem to jericho. along the road he finds somebody who is mugged, a victim. he stops and administers first aid, takes him down to the local holiday inn, gives them his gold card and says, "charge it to my account." compassion for a total stranger. would you or i do that for a stranger? GOD is looking for people of compassion who put people before profits.

just a thought from the front porch...