WHAT'S UNDER MY VEIL?

Philippians 2:19-30
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon . . . 20 I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. . . . 25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. . . . 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. . . . 29 Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.

When writer Robert Louis Stevenson arrived in Samoa, he was invited to address students training for the pastorate at the Malua Institute. He told the story of a veiled prophet who was a great teacher and light among the people. He wore the veil, he said, because his countenance was so glorious that none could bear the sight of his face. Eventually, the veil decayed and fell away, revealing nothing but an ugly old man.

In Philippians 2, Paul unveiled the character of two men--Timothy and Epaphroditus. Let's take a peek under Timothy's veil. In verse 19, Paul said that Timothy was genuinely concerned about the needs of others. The kingdom of God was his priority, and it showed up in how he cared for other people first. When we pull up the veil again, we see Timothy living a life of consistency before others (v.22). He was as good as he appeared to be. Duplicity had no place in his life. His private and public life were united in perfect harmony.

When we pull up Epaphroditus' veil, we see that he demonstrated what it meant to live in Christian community. He was a brother caring for others, a fellow worker who served others, and a soldier who was loyal to others. Also, he placed the cause of Jesus before his own. The text says he put his life at risk to see others become new and better followers of Jesus. He committed himself to a life of sacrifice and service. He put service before personal security.

What's under your veil? If we lifted it today, what would we find? Would we find the ugliness of egotism, jealousy, selfishness, and pride? Or would we find the glory of Christlike character demonstrated through selfless and sacrificial service and consistent living? Your ideal is what you wish you were. Your reputation is what people say you are. Your character is what you really are. --Marvin Williams

DESTINATION POINTS

* What do I find most difficult about living a selfless life?
* How can I grow in my positive character traits?
* What will it take for me to risk and sacrifice more for the cause of Jesus?

bottom line: Character is what you are when no one is looking.

soul journey