Paul presents a bit of doctrinal deep water in Philippians 2, a passage rich and full of theological gold. Verse 12 offers an individual challenge of God’s sanctification, to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” This concept of personal sanctification helps us understand a broader developmental process of God shaping of His people. We are in a constant process of becoming, both individually and corporately, the people of God.
Verse 19 introduces more shallow waters, by transitioning the reader into a narrative of sorts that might seem insignificant upon first reading. Paul begins in Philippians 2:19, “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I, too, may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.”
A noteworthy lesson from this passage is easily missed if we’re not careful. It’s not the main point of the text, but it may be relevant to us as a state convention at our current point in the journey. I admittedly struggle to understand why some people are unwilling to commend others who serve faithfully. It’s not only acceptable to do so, but it is demonstrated in Scripture continually. Here, Timothy and Epaphroditus were worthy of commendation, and Paul made the acceptable response very clear. They were to “honor such men” (v. 29).
By doing so, Paul also disproves another misconception, that “anyone serving is better than no one serving.” Some servants of Jesus are exceptional workers. They stand out because of their commitment and investment. Others are motivated by attention, credit, obligation, and a feeling of guilt. Maybe they actually have good motivations, but they just have the wrong attitude. Paul is saying, “When it comes to serving, anyone is not always better than no one.”
As you know, we are entering into a new season of ministry and mission. We recently heard the news of the approaching retirement of two of our South Carolina Baptist leaders, Gary Hollingsworth and Rudy Gray. These men have been used by God in countless ways. Gary has served as our executive director-treasurer since 2016, and has provided immeasurable healing, shepherding, and vision casting over these years. While we understand the timing and reasoning of his retirement, the pastors and churches of our great convention, his departure will have a great impact on our cooperative effort.
We must commit to pray for Steve Hogg and his search committee as they seek to find God’s man to help lead our state convention into the future purpose that God has for us. We realize that this position is one of great importance, as we seek someone who exemplifies a combination of shepherd and leader. Rudy’s retirement is also quite significant. He has been a consistent trusted voice in the SCBC for many years. We need to be careful to commit ourselves to pray for the trustees of The Baptist Courier as they seek to find an appropriate successor.
I desire above all in this article to commend these men for their investment in the work of our state convention. Like Paul’s comments on Timothy, I see the contribution of these men as being unique, in that there was no one who could have served our state quite like them. They were genuinely concerned for the welfare of the churches of our state. They have not sought their own interests but the interests of South Carolina Baptists. More importantly, they have served Jesus Christ. For that, we are eternally grateful.
As we approach these transitions, may we be found faithful as we move forward in the mission to which God has called us. We will continue to advance. The mission has not changed, and the gospel continues to have the power to save.
Charge on!