23 October 2026: SERVE WITH, NOT MERELY FOR – Philippians 2:22; Colossians 3:23-24

There is a difference between serving a man and serving with a man in the work of God. Philippians 2:22 says of Timothy, “as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.” Pay attention to the word “with” because it changes the whole spirit of service. Timothy did not see himself merely as somebody helping Paul to fulfil Paul’s personal dream. He understood that Paul was serving Jesus, and he too was serving the same Jesus alongside Paul. This mindset protects a believer from resentment, eye-service and the feeling that he is doing another human being a favour. The moment you think you are merely serving a pastor, leader or ministry, you will begin to calculate your commitment according to how that person treats, rewards or recognises you. But when you understand that you are serving with them before the same Master, your standard changes.

Colossians 3:23 says, “whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” That is the spirit Timothy carried. Whether Paul was present or absent, the real Master remained the same. This principle applies beyond church work. In your office, family, ministry or assignment, you must know who you are ultimately serving. If you only give your best when the supervisor is watching, you have not yet settled the matter of service. People often lose their reward because they think they are serving another human being and therefore withhold their best. Timothy served with Paul in the gospel because both men understood that Jesus was above them. One had a leadership responsibility; the other had his own place of service. Different roles did not mean different Masters. Both were accountable to God.

Let this understanding correct your attitude to service. Don’t say, “I am doing this for him,” with resentment in your heart. If the assignment is genuinely from God, you are doing it before the Lord. Give it the standard Jesus deserves. At the same time, don’t idolise human leadership; your loyalty to a person must never replace your obedience to Christ or Scripture. The point is that legitimate Kingdom service becomes powerful when everyone understands that the work belongs to Jesus. The pastor serves Him. The choir serves Him. The technical team serves Him. The cleaner serves Him. The administrator serves Him. When that revelation enters a house, competition reduces and responsibility increases. Stop serving merely because somebody is looking. Serve with those God has placed around you, and let Jesus remain the One before whom all of you stand.

THOUGHT TO PONDER

Do I see my present assignment as something I am merely doing for a person, or as service to Jesus alongside others? Does my standard drop when human recognition is absent?

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, establish in me the spirit of true service. Help me to serve faithfully with others before You, free from resentment, eye-service and the need for human applause, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Jeremiah 42:1-44:23, 2 Timothy 2:1-21, Psalm 92:1-93:5, Proverbs 26:3-5