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showing genuine concern for others welfare

“I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare.” — Philippians 2:20

There was a time I thought about going into politics.  But then I realized how often I would have to shower to try and keep the corruption at bay.

I believe good people do go into politics.  I also believe it’s hard for good people to go into politics and stay good people.  Most people enter public service with a desire to serve.  After a while, the temptation to serve one’s own interests over the interests of others begins to arise.  At some point, it becomes more than a temptation; it becomes a way of life.

But let’s not be so hard on politicians.  The same thing happens to school teachers, accountants, counselors, construction workers, and pastors.

What causes this?  Our sinful nature.

Our sinful nature is not inclined towards sacrifice and service.  Rather than putting the needs of others first, our sinful nature is bound and determined to get our way … first and foremost, our sinful nature is selfish.

This reality is what makes Paul’s commendation of Timothy so outstanding: Here is someone who actually takes a genuine interest in the welfare of others.  Not pretending to take an interest.  Not manipulating someone’s feelings for personal gain.  A genuine concern for the needs of someone else.

Our challenge is to be more like Timothy and less like our sinful nature.

How can you start?

  1. Ask God to give you a genuine concern for the welfare of others.  Feeling this way is not natural; it requires a supernatural act of God.
  2. Learn to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn.  This is called empathy.
  3. Seek out friends who model this kind of behavior.  Why?  Because it is contagious.
  4. Do something nice for someone who doesn’t deserve it or expect it.  Just do it.

Other ideas?