In the rush of our busy lives, we often lose the importance of spending time with other people. A quick text here, a Facebook like there, and we think that we have made contact with people. These are only shallow attempts to invest in the lives of others. Paul knew the importance of spending time with people. He didn’t drop in on churches, he spent seasons with them so they could mutually encourage one another. We need to remember the importance of time and what impact that makes on the lives of others.
1 Corinthians 16:5-11
I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia, and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go. For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.
The Right Timing
Paul often closes his book with final instructions and plans. He informs the Corinthians of his plans to make it there soon. He did, in fact, make a couple more visits to the city. They didn’t go that well, hence the reason for the second book to this church. He is in Ephesus right now because God is doing a really good work and he knows he is not supposed to leave it. His heart is with the Corinthians but he wants to spend a good deal of time with them. To rectify this he is sending his right-hand man Timothy. It doesn’t sound like Timothy is too excited for the assignment considering he knows what state the church is in. So Paul encourages the church to put him at ease. This is nice language for making him welcome.
The Joy of Investing in Others
Paul committed his life to the people he served. 1 Thessalonians 2:7 Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. He wasn’t partial to anyone, he just gave of himself. He knew the importance of spending time with those he ministered to. Value those God has put into your life. Bring them into your family and hang in there with them during rough times. You will find the joy of giving when you invest in the life of others.