“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). Paul pointed out the selflessness that is to characterize followers of Christ. Christ is the ultimate example of humble, sacrificial service to others (Philippians 2:11). Paul’s one aim was to follow Christ. For him to live was Christ and to die was gain (Philippians 1:21); he was willing to be poured out as a drink offering, as a sacrifice to serve others such as his brothers in Christ at Philippi (Philippians 2:17). Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians from prison and was willing to die if need be in service for Christ. Ultimately, death is a gain to the Christian.

            In this context, Paul commended some of his brothers who were fellow laborers to the Philippians. Timothy would naturally care for their state, unlike most who are self-seeking (Philippians 2:19-21). Epaphroditus served Paul’s needs during the imprisonment. Epaphroditus lived in service to others to the point that he was sick and came close to death for the work of Christ (Philippians 2:30). In imitation of Christ, he did not regard his own life in order to serve others. When Epaphroditus was sick near to death, he was distressed not with selfish thoughts but out of concern for the Philippians because they had heard he was sick (Philippians 2:26-27). What an example!

            Sickness is not the result of a lack of faith, (as health and wealth preachers advocate); instead, many faithful folks have had serious illnesses. Jesus did not say the sick need more faith; the Lord said the sick need a doctor (Luke 5:31). Paul, as an apostle endowed with the miraculous power of God, could heal the sick (Acts 14:8-10; 28:7-9), yet not all of his fellow soldiers in the good fight of faith were without illness (1 Tim. 5:23; 2 Tim. 4:20). Even Paul himself had to suffer with a thorn in the flesh (2 Cor. 12:7-10). God did not see fit to safeguard Epaphroditus from sickness, but He did have mercy to save him from death. This man is commended for serving others without regard to his own life.

            We should not be foolish about our health, but wise in how we conduct our lives; being good stewards of our health is part of redeeming the short time we have on this earth (Ephesians 5:15-16). Physical health is crucial to our ability to serve others, but it is not the ultimate end in itself. Bodily exercise does profit in this life, but only a little when contrasted with the benefits of godliness for here and hereafter (1 Timothy 4:8). Paul puts Epaphroditus—his brother, fellow laborer, and fellow soldier—forth as a great example because his service to others in the work of Christ took priority over his own health interests. We pray regularly for the health of our brothers and sisters, and so we should, but we must also remember to pray as John did for Gaius. In 3 John 2, he wrote: “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” If your physical health was on par with your soul’s health, would you be better off, like Gaius, or worse? Let us keep the mind of Christ and the great examples of Philippians 2 in mind as we attempt to maintain the perspective God desires us to have in regard to health.

-Mark Day