"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." (Philippians 2:20, 21)
Paul is making a similar challenge in our text to the Philippian Church. Timothy was a young man of whom Paul could say, "....who will sincerely care for your state" (This should be true of all of us). As for others, "....all seek their own...." Our Lord Jesus Christ once declared to those who were self-seeking, "But I am among you as One Who serves." Too many church-goers select a particular local church based on what that church can do for them. Others do so based on how they can do their particular "ministry." If they can do "their thing," they stay; if not, they leave.
Today I say to all of us Followers of Jesus: Ask not what your local Church can do for you. Ask what you can do for that Church.
Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray to be as Timothy. Amen.
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
Hebrews 12:2
