Verse of the Day Philippians 2: 22

"But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel"

I've always pictured Paul as the guy that everyone wants to see
All the churches know about him, and have heard his words and are always encouraged by what he has to say
It's clear from scripture that Paul longs to visit these churches and the churches long for him to come to them
But imagine now Timothy
Although Timothy didn't write any letters or have quite the reputation of Paul, he was clearly loved by the church and Paul is sending him to the Philippians for their encouragement
I think of Timothy as the guy who encourages everyone all the time, not because of his relation to anyone else so that he can maintain the view they have of him, but because he is genuinely concerned for the people.
Timothy was not going to the Philippians to provide a substitute for Paul, he was going to encourage them himself.
His attitude was that of Christ Jesus - putting the interests of others before his own
I get so excited when I hear about so and so coming to guest speak at church, but even more so I am encouraged when a close friend or someone who I've known for a long time that is always uplifting and always brings good news is coming.
Both are equally good, but the majority of Christians aren't speakers or pastors, most of us are like Timothy, and although was have opportunities to speak to people, and teach, our main focus is to be an encouragement to those around us, to be loving and to have a genuine heart of concern for our brothers and sisters in Christ, so when people hear that you are going to be around in the near future, do they think of your encouragement in Christ, or something that has nothing to do with God at all?