A kindred spirit who genuinely cares ∙
I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. – Philippians 2:20
Philippians 2:20-21
20 I have no one else like Timothy who genuinely cares about your welfare.
21 All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ.
The contestants in the Special Olympics are developmentally or physically disabled. But they are special in a far more critical way. They have genuine care and concern for one another. In the Special Olympics, in the 100-meter dash, the runners all start together and move together down the track shoulder-to-shoulder.
During one of these races, a young woman tripped and sprawled on the track. She was in a bit of pain and somewhat embarrassed.
The rest of the contestants moved on for a few more feet. Without any communication among themselves, they all stopped, turned around, and jogged back to their fallen friend. They picked her up and took her off the track, comforted her. Only then did they continue together, arm in arm, to the finish line. These special runners would rather finish together than win individually.
A “kindred spirit” refers to someone who shares similar interests, values, or feelings with you, creating a deep and natural connection. When someone is described as a kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare, they not only share a meaningful bond with you but also truly care and take a genuine interest in your well-being. They are empathetic, supportive, and attentive to your needs, often going out of their way to ensure you are joyful and healthy. This type of relationship is characterized by mutual understanding, trust, and a sense of camaraderie.
One and only one of Paul’s friends was just like that.
Paul composed the Book of Philippians while imprisoned in Rome. His heart was warmed by the positive reports about the believers in Philippi, and he was eager to express his gratitude and affection. He intended to dispatch a small group of fellow believers to them and sought volunteers. Only Timothy and Epaphroditus showed genuine interest. Why was this the case?
Paul had an intimate understanding of the believers in the local Roman church. He was all too aware of their nature. They were not merely self-centered; they were pathetically self-centered. They were only concerned about their own interests.
I can almost hear their complaints: “Philippi? You expect us to travel all the way to Philippi? Do you realize how far it is? We’d have to walk most of the way or perhaps take a boat for part of the journey, then walk the rest. It would be a long, arduous, costly, and scorching trip. What’s in it for us? And let’s not forget the potential dangers: lions, thieves, and robbers. Plus, there’s the risk of pirates, shipwrecks, or being stranded on Malta.”
The Romans were nothing but motorboat believers, “but, but, but, but” (as Charles Stanley so often said).
REFLECT & PRAY
The Father scrutinizes all children of the King, looking for the few special ones who are genuinely concerned with the needs of others.
Father, I long to be like Paul and Timothy and ultimately like You. I long to be “a chip off the old block.” Your block. Please make it so.
INSIGHT
Why did Timothy stand out? Through observation, learning, and spiritual growth and development, Timothy finally got his priorities straight. His life would be a life of service. He was all in! He had a singular passion for serving both Paul and the Lord Jesus Christ. He is ready to go anywhere and do anything required of him. Further, he was content being number two to Paul’s number one. He was more than willing to be in the background, working from the shadows.
Timothy’s genuine concern for the spiritual and physical well-being of others. Paul modeled this attitude in his words and actions time and time again. Timothy wanted to be just like Paul. Paul aspired to be just like the Lord Jesus Christ.
Becoming a mature, devoted servant doesn’t happen overnight. A submissive mindset must be nurtured and developed. Why? It is not natural to serve; instead, the human inclination is to be served. However, as Timothy matured, walking with the Father and working alongside Paul, “he became the kind of servant that Paul could trust, and God could bless” (Wiersbe).
Paul didn’t just describe himself and Timothy as “like-minded”; he went further, saying they were “like-souled.” All faithful servants of the King should be “like-souled.” This is one of the instances where examining the original Greek adds layers of depth, beauty, and color not seen in the English translation.
The Greek term translated as a “kindred spirit” or “like-minded” is isopsuchos. Isopsuchos is a rare poetic term that is only found once in the New Testament and once in the Septuagint (Psalms 54:14). It means “of like soul or mind.” Timothy shares a similar mindset with Paul, particularly in his genuine care for the Philippians and his pursuit of the things of Christ (Philippians 2:21) (NIGTC). It is derived from isos – equal, and psuche– soul, mind. It means to be equal in soul, sharing the same motives, character, and affections. That is, having the same mindset.
The Latin Vulgate uses the term unanimous to translate isopsuchos. In modern English, Timothy was “a chip off the old block,” with Paul as his block, just as Paul was “a chip off the old block” of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Latin Vulgate uses the term unanimous to translate isopsuchos. In modern English, Timothy was “a chip off the old block,” with Paul as his block, just as Paul was “a chip off the old block” of the Lord Jesus Christ.
One essential element of serving in the Father’s chain is a sincere concern for others’ well-being, which becomes second nature. For those who dedicate themselves to the King’s service, caring for others naturally becomes the new normal.
Serving others as Jesus Christ serves us is incredibly challenging, often involving hardships, difficulties, persecution, and even death. But the joy of being a “good and faithful servant” cannot be measured (Matthew 25:23).
Every child of the King can aspire to be “a chip off the old block,” striving to be “like-souled” with the Lord Jesus Christ.
“There were certainly hundreds of Christians in Rome (Paul greets twenty-six of them by name in Romans 16), yet not one of them was available to make the trip!” (Wiersbe).
Philippians 2:21 For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus.
In a very real sense, all of us live either in Philippians 1:21 or Philippians 2:21! (Wiersbe)
Philippians 1:21 For to me, living is Christ, and dying is gain.
Each of us has the choice of whom we live for and what our priorities are.
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© Dr. H 2024
Dr H Reflections 