Paul

has been shifting back and forth about whether he might soon die or

be able to visit Philippi again. A person in prison could easily lose

confidence about being released.

So,

in the meantime, Paul planned to send the young pastor Timothy.

Paul’s confidence in Timothy was sky high. Speaking of Timothy as a

spiritual son, Paul praised the younger man’s devotion to Christ.

Not only would Timothy do good work in building up the Philippian

church, but he would also be able to warm Paul’s heart by bringing

back news about the congregation.

As

Bible passages go, this one might look less important than many other

texts. The comments here can seem like house­keeping details.

Yet

even such everyday ­matters are vital. We all need ­pastors.

We all need elders who will encourage our devotion to Christ. Church

council meetings, committees, producing the weekly bulletin: these

are the ordinary activities of the church and may not seem terribly

important.

But

housekeeping details keep the church on track and help it fulfill its

Great Commission. God is in the details. There are no ordinary acts

of Christian service. All things are holy when we do them for the

Lord!