“What was Paul doing to increase his joy? He was celebrating other people’s success. Very few people discover this wonderful access point to joy. We get super focused on ourselves and sometimes then get a bit jealous of others. But when we, instead, celebrate others and speak that to them and even broadcast it to others, it can bring personal joy.”- Randy Frazee
“I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare.”- Philippians 2:19-20 (NIV)
In Principle #9: Celebrate Other People’s Success of The Joy Challenge, Randy Frazee notes the apostle Paul’s impact statement in the above text about what he was doing to increase his joy. He celebrated the success of other people. Specifically, Paul desired to feel cheered when he received good news about the Philippians.
Furthermore, Paul expressed his pride in young Timothy and how much Timothy meant to him. However, Randy notes, Paul didn’t need to send Timothy’s resume, along with a glowing endorsement. Because, second to Paul, they loved Timothy. Therefore, Randy posits, Paul wrote those wonderful things about Timothy for the sake of Timothy.
Hence, when Paul stated that he had no one else like Timothy, in essence Paul said they were like-minded. The Greek word used here is isopsychos, meaning equal in soul. In fact, the sixteenth-century Dutch scholar Erasmus translated that verse, “I will send him as my alter ego.”
In conclusion, Randy explains and exhorts:
“When Paul saw how his words, which cost him nothing, lifted the spirits of Timothy, it cheered him up as well. Celebrating others is like completing an electrical circuit. It turns the lights on in our life, it powers our motivation for living, and it gives a jolt of positive energy to our souls.”
Today’s question: What Bible verses lead you to discover this wonderful access point of joy? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Sharing good news raises joy levels”