"But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety" (Philippians 2:25-28).
Many years ago my dad was speaking at a youth camp on the Oregon coast. I remember around the fire one night (back when you could still have fires!!), he spoke of the importance of remembering those who teach you, or lead you in your spiritual walk and to pray for them as you grow spiritually. Particularly, he shared that as we aged, it is always an encouragement to check in with those "older" folks that mentored you in your spiritual life. Well I did that today. While I was working on taping sheet rock joints in a minor remodel project at work today, I was listening vaguely with 1/2 my ears to a radio show, and on that show, the speaker reminded me of caring for or thanking your spiritual leaders from your childhood... made me think of my dad's fireside chat, and made me think of a youth pastor I had in a church in Dallas Oregon growing up.
My youth Pastors name was Bruce Morris. He and his wife Barbara were great people. Not so care free that they let you slide on not doing the right thing, but loving enough to correct, and guide you regardless if it was uncomfortable for them. They upheld biblical standards and taught to those in the youth group. Not until today did I think of them after 25 plus years of not being around them. So here it is, 12:00, lunch time... so what does a tech geek do at lunch when he is curious?? He googles of course. The first link returned at the top.. was the right one. Bruce is now a Pastor in Las Vegas of all places. I recognized his picture from the staff/pastor section, it has a contact link and phone number, so, I called. Amazing. We had a great 15 minute discussion on the past 25 years... It was a blessing to both of us and I am sure that he had as good of a laugh about remembering as I did.
Funny thing though, when I called, I was not sure if he would remember me, or if his passion for the Lord would have subsided after all these years. I called expecting to talk to a man of great faith who was flourishing in the ways of the Lord and that is exactly what I got when he answered his phone. It was a good thing to remember Bruce. He is a busy man of a BIG church in Vegas (check out their website at www.ccalv.org ). I feel like our conversation and in particular, my thanking him for his service and guidance to me all those years ago was an uplifting experience for him as well. We all know that those folks in full time ministry often mostly field complaints, criticism or problems... not a "I thought of you, I prayed for you, and Thank you" phone call.
Paul had established the Philippian church and had a rather rough time while there, being beaten and imprisoned during his short ministry tenure. He was then essentially run out of town; however he made an impact. (God's Word does not return void and any labor for the Lord is not in vain.) He wrote to encourage these young believers while he himself was imprisoned. Do you sense his earnestness in the opening verse? Scroll back to the verse at the top and and re-read it to get a fuller sense of the Biblical message today.
The Philippian believers were so troubled by Paul's imprisonment that they sent their dear friend, Epaphroditis, to care for his needs. Paul was very appreciative and indicates his sincere love for Epaphroditis by writing that he would have had sorrow upon sorrow if Epaphroditus had died from his near death experience. He is anxious to send Epaphroditus back to his own people "so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety."
In our present world so much of what we do is motivated by the following attitudes: "What's in it for me?" "How do I get ahead?" "You scratch my back; I'll scratch yours." Paul, Epaphroditis, and the Philippian believers' attitude is in stark contrast to the mindset of our own generation. Paul's eagerness to care for the needs of the Philippian believers exceeded his own personal needs to have a comforting, believing friend by his side in a prison cell where he was surrounded by discomfort and godlessness.
There are many who have made a spiritual impact on our lives, so much so, that our lives are greatly improved because of it. It has resulted in our making a spiritual impact on others as well. But perhaps we may also need to make a circular impact by giving back to those who initially invested in our lives. If possible let's tend to their needs (spiritual, emotional, physical, or otherwise), make a call, send a note/letter/email. Touch base; catch up with them and all the years. Let them know that their investment in you is still flourishing and producing spiritual fruit. You know what, it may be that they have a need and God has commissioned you to meet it!
My hour is up, it is now 1 PM, so God Bless you, have a safe memorial day weekend.
- Paul
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