A Person of Character (Philippians 2:19-24)

Today’s scripture: Philippians 2:19-24

One of the many things I love about Paul’s epistles is how real they are. Just as any letter we would write, he includes little bits of personal business. These verses don’t have any real exhortation or teaching. They just state what Paul plans to do. He’s going to send Timothy to the Philippian Christians to care for them and report back to Paul how they’re doing. And he himself hopes to come to them soon.

In the middle of this information-giving, Paul drops a little nugget: He’s sending Timothy in particular because of his “proven character.” This young protégé of Paul’s served with his own father and has already proven himself to be a man of character who loves the gospel. Paul is certain the younger man will care deeply for the people—just as Paul himself would.

Isn’t that how you want to be described? A person of proven character who sincerely cares for fellow believers? A person who serves God and shares the gospel?

I know I do. I have a long way to go (and thankfully I’m still that work in progress here on earth!), but I pray God will continue to refine my character and draw me more closely to Him. And I know He will.

Proven Character (Phil. 2:19-24)

But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.
(Philippians 2:19-24, NKJV)

One of the many things I love about Paul’s epistles is how real they are. Just as any letter we would write, he includes little bits of personal business. These verses don’t have any real exhortation or teaching. They just state what Paul plans to do. He’s going to send Timothy to the Philippian Christians to care for them and report back to Paul how they’re doing. And he himself hopes to come to them soon.

In the middle of this information-giving, Paul drops a little nugget: He’s sending Timothy in particular because of his “proven character.” This young protégé of Paul’s served with his father and has already proven himself to be a man of character who loves the gospel. Paul is certain the younger man will care deeply for the people—just as Paul himself would.

Isn’t that how you want to be described? A person of proven character who sincerely cares for fellow believers? A person who serves God and shares the gospel?

I know I do. I have a long way to go (and thankfully I’m still that work in progress here on earth!), but I pray God will continue to refine my character and draw me more closely to Him. And I know He will.

Good News ... Worse News (Est. 1:19-22)

“Your Majesty, if you agree, you should write for the Medes and Persians a law that can never be changed. This law would keep Queen Vashti from ever seeing you again. Then you could let someone who respects you be queen in her place. When the women in your great kingdom hear about this new law, they will respect their husbands, no matter if they are rich or poor.” King Xerxes and his officials liked what Memucan had said, and he sent letters to all of his provinces. Each letter was written in the language of the province to which it was sent, and it said that husbands should have complete control over their wives and children.
(Esther 1:19-22, CEV)

Good news. Bad news. Worse news.

Queen Vashti’s refusal to parade in front of King Xerxes’ debauched guests could have led to her execution. People who “dissed” the king usually didn’t make it out alive.

So the good news is the queen's life is saved.

But that’s the only good news we read today.

The bad news? The queen is now banished, and they’re going to look for someone else who “respects” the king. In other words, someone whom the king can control. Someone who will stroke his ego.

But the worse news? The king’s so-called advisors come up with a way to oppress all their women. A fool-proof, king-approved plan: Husbands—rich or poor—would have complete control over their wives.

This smells like potential abuse to me. Men would be able to tell their wives to entertain their guests—naked. And their wives couldn’t refuse.

How tragic.

And why? Well, in my opinion, because a few men were so selfish and spineless, they needed a king’s edict to make certain they retained a semblance of power.

Just because one woman—quite rightly—stood up for herself.