How Are You?

On the one hand I applauded her question.

Philippians 2:19-30

Reference: I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. (Philippians 2:20 NIV)

Explore: I used to know someone who would always say to people, “How are you?” And when you would answer with just a standard “fine” she would then respond with, “No, how are you REALLY?”

On the one hand I applauded her question. So often we can just give the same response to this greeting, no matter how we are feeling. And this person was trying to break down the instant response and ask the question specifically.

On the other hand, I knew this person only wanted to find out how you were really feeling to get some gossip or inside word from you. She was a needy person and felt better about herself if people confided in her.

Application: I find it hard to find people who are truly able to empathise with others. We are often so wrapped up in our own worlds that we have little time to consider other people’s situations.

Timothy was not wrapped up in himself. In fact, the writer of the Philippians likens him to a son looking after his father. And because of his attitude towards others, he was sent on an important mission for the work of God.

While it is our aim as Christians to put Christ first in our lives, Jesus was always one to put others first. He went out of his way to understand the needs of others and sacrificed Himself, even for those who didn’t appreciate Him.

While we are not all called to be counsellors, we are all called to an important mission. No matter where you are, you are to be like Christ and put others first.

Prayer: Lord, You are the ultimate example for us to follow. We also thank You for people like Timothy who remind us that our mission is great and worthy of following. Amen.

How can you be Christ in your world today?

call, Christ, confide, empathy, mission, Philippians