7/28/25

A tribe full of Indians would never allow laziness. In the tribe, everyone had to work. In Canada, an article was written titled Government policy created the myth of the 'lazy Indian".

The article describes how putting an Indian on a reserve and providing government aid has caused generations to be caught in the welfare trap. Thus giving them a reputation of being lazy by nature when this is not the case. In fact, these people were once described as the “original affluent society”

All people can fall into the trap of becoming lazy by the free offering of necessities. This has even happened in the church.

The unwritten rule in the church is the 80 - 20 rule. It states that 80% of the work is done by 20% of the people. By extrapolation, we see that 20% of the work is being done by 80 % of the people. However, this is not accurate because there is a portion that does nothing. This is not a new problem, we see this in our text given by Paul to the church at Phillipi.

Philippians 2:19-21 NASB95 But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus.

For they all seek after their own interest. Paul says I have a lot of people around me I would like to send. However, I will send Timothy because unfortunately, the rest all seek after their own interest. Paul desires to have others who have a Kindred Spirit who will genuinely care for your welfare but they are only concerned for their own welfare. In Nehemiah, the word welfare has the meaning of salvation. There is no better fare for a person than salvation. In salvation, a person is truly well. Many in the church will not work because their only concern is their state of wellness. When God desires that we love the Lord with all our hearts and our neighbor as ourselves. Paul describes Timothy as this kind of person.

Someone who will encourage you to love the Lord with all you are and your neighbor as much as you do yourself. This means encouraging you to be dedicated to work and service in the church. This is for the glory of God and the well-being of others.

Churches have always needed more Timothy's but very few are willing to sacrifice of themselves to help others with their greatest need. The greatest need in the world is not food or clothing it is Christ. His example is complete sacrifice of self for the welfare/salvation of others.

This was Timothy. Is it us?

Would people in your church describe you as a Timothy, a Pharisee, or a lazy? A Pharisee works for his own glory. A lazy doesn't work at all. A Timothy works for the glory of God and others' Salvation.

Churches are in need of Timothy's

Be a Timothy!

Love Bro. Scott