THE COMMENDATIONS OF OTHERS

Acts 16:2,3a The Lord's followers in Lystra and Iconium said good things about Timothy, and Paul wanted him to go with them.

Today’s text invites us to shift our lens towards a slightly more natural outlook, gazing into the world of men. Paul on his journeys, arrived in the company of the believers at Derbe and Lystra, and this is where Timothy came into the fray of conversations for the first time.

It did not seem that Paul had come in search of companions to take along, but something stirred up a longing to take Timothy along. That stirring was the recommendation of other individuals.

It has become common practice for references to be requested before any job or academic opportunity is offered. Sometimes, all it takes is a word from a person of good repute, or sometimes one signature and a big opportunity is confirmed. So don’t be the only one who appears to believe that ” only what God says about me matters, I don’t care what others think and say about me”. You may be right, but in the world of men, that will come at a cost to you.

Being spoken well of, is testament of ‘character’, which is indispensable regardless of giftings, anointings or knowledge because underguarding all those is the essential trait of “a good character”. So if no one can confidently say good things about you, that is a real cause for concern, and a call to action on your part.

#sly