Are you a Veggie Tales fan?  I’m not ashamed to admit that I still enjoy watching the videos.  I had the “Busy, Busy” song stuck in my head when we were looking at Philippians 2 in our Tuesday night Bible study.  This song is from the episode, “Are You My Neighbour?” which is based on the story of the good Samaritan. (Luke 10:25-37)  Unfamiliar with this story or with Veggie Tales?  Have a look:

Sadly, everyone was too busy to help poor Larry.

Here’s the text we were studying:

But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me.
But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.
Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.  ~Philippians 2:19-30

In this passage, we see Paul’s unselfish love for the saints in Philippi.  He would love to see them. Paul, however, is awaiting the outcome of his appeal to Caesar, knowing that he is a good candidate for martyrdom, yet he is concerned for their present spiritual needs.  Paul had confidence in Timothy to love them like he loved them, to care for them as he did.  Paul knew from working with him, that Timothy’s character was impeccable.  While others were busy chasing after their own interests, ignoring the things of God, Timothy remained faithful.

Paul also commits to sending Epaphroditus, whom he calls brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier, messenger and minister.  It seems Paul had high regard for this man as well.  We can ascertain that he was a faithful, humble man, with a loving, servant’s heart.  Here we see that Epaphroditus was deathly sick; but even in this state, he was more distressed over the the thought that the Philippians would be distressed by his illness (they had sent Epaphroditus back to help Paul).  Here is a man that cares for the needs of others above his own.  He longed to be with them, both Paul and the Philippians.

We are his hands and feet.  We are to love unselfishly. We are to serve willingly.  We should not be too busy doing our own thing to serve Him. It won’t always be convenient, pleasant, or come with immediate rewards. Sometimes we are called to service in uncomfortable circumstances.  Sometimes we are asked to serve some that are not quite so lovable. Sometimes we are distracted by the business of life, unintentionally.  Sometimes we are too busy focusing on the trappings of this world and our own pleasure, unwilling to put it aside for His work.

As Christians, we have a mission:  we are saved to serve.

May I never be too busy to serve Him.