we really are. Our lives must be lived in the sight of God in such a way that others will know that there are no barriers between God and ourselves. May we pray with David, "Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my thoughts and see if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23). When Paul came to the end of his earthly ministry he was fully ready to rejoice in the Lord's pro visions of others who would carry on the ministry in his stead (Phii- ippians 2:17-24). Such was certain ly the case with young Timothy who was "likeminded" with the Apostle in his love for others, rather than seeking his own things and welfare. The desire to be concerned about the spiritual needs of others is sel dom seen today. It is unfortunate that most of us have been so caught up in our own activities that we seldom give thought to those who may need what we can offer, humanly speaking. The Bible has much to say as to what God expects of those who have received His Son as Saviour. To be sure, even the best and holiest of us has not arrived. Above all, our heavenly Father wants us first of all to be conformed to the image of His own Son. We can get a glimpse of His love, compassion, wisdom, understanding, holiness, along with all of the other virtues of perfection which are patterns for us. While it is true that in this life we will never completely be like Him, yet, through His indwell ing Holy Spirit, we are given the opportunity of growing daily in His grace and stature. Although God's
standards are high, He thusly pro vides supernatural resources to meet them. In order to prove that it is not impossible, the Apostle gives us three human examples in himself, Timothy and Epaphroditus. Notice Paul's testimony in verse 17, "And if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all." Here he uses a potent image to convey the truth. He literally meant that he was ready to be poured out and com pletely consumed for the cause and needs of others. Paul literally told his friends at Philippi, "I know that you are worried about me be cause I am in prison in Rome. My life may soon be poured out upon this pagan altar. But, after all, my existence is not the important thing. What I am most concerned about is your faith. This is the substan tial and valuable offering which is itself a sweet fragrance to God." The Apostle placed his own achievements and impending mar- trydom as a very low point on the scale of Christian service. He was holding up the faith and the achievements of his other converts for our examples. What a picture of real humility in obedience to Jesus Christ. We need to apply his self-evaluation to ourselves rather than reckoning our own achieve ments too highly. This came as the product of his long relationship with the Christ. It is so often true that we must learn small lessons and humility before there can be great lessons of faith brought to our attention. It is my prayer for you that together, in self-efface ment and humility, we may serve well the Lord Jesus Christ.
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