Who can you send?

Have you ever had to decide between two or more people who to delegate a task to? Do you wonder what criteria should be used to determine who acts on your behalf? If it is a menial task, it might not really matter who does it as long as the task gets done properly. But if it is related to the lives of men like spiritual things are, then you need to be careful to use the correct yardstick.

Paul sent to Timothy to represent him in Philippi and some other places. He used the criteria of having a genuine passion for the people of God and sonship. Timothy was sincerely concerned about the welfare of God’s people. His interest was not using ministry to make a name or get ahead in life like some other ministers in his days. Moreover, he served Paul sincerely and contributed significantly to his ministry.

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. (Phil.2:19-23)

Delegate spiritual task to fellows who genuinely care about God’s people and follow you as sincere proteges.