Today's daily devotion

Be Like Timothy

For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.—PHILIPPIANS 2:20 KJV

Paul’s heart’s desire for the people of Philippi was their continued spiritual growth. He wanted them to obey what he had taught them, to be blameless before the world, and to proclaim the word of truth.

His deepest concern was for the Philippians’ spiritual, not physical, well-being. But he couldn’t always be in Philippi. So Paul had to send others in his stead. And there was only one he could trust to care for souls as he did—Timothy.

As we care for those around us, do we care as Paul did? Are we ministering only to the obvious physical, mental, and emotional needs, but neglecting the spiritual? Or are we like Timothy who, like Paul, wanted to see maturity and faithfulness among Christ’s disciples?

Even though the soul needs more nurturing than the body, the body always gets the immediate attention. The body will perish, but the soul lives forever. Our most important task is the care of souls.

Never forget the importance of encouraging others to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Be like Timothy.

Care for the state of their souls.

Father, I get so caught up in making sure my charges are fed, clothed, and physically comfortable. But sometimes I neglect the most important area. Help me to make disciples. Show me ways to nurture another’s soul today.

Adapted from

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