I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon, 5 because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. v. 4-5 (NLT)
There are two things that stand out to me when I read this passage! One is probably more obvious than the other but they are both challenging.
First, you see the commitment and testimony of Philemon. Paul says he hears about Philemon from time to time and how the Lord is using him in the lives of other. Philemons reputation is going before him and his influence is gaining because people are talking about him in positive ways. This encourages not only Paul, but all the others that are carrying the name of Christ.
Second, you see the commitment Paul has as a mentor. This is not only a letter asking for help with some instructions, this is a letter of encouragement. Paul was stating the things that sometimes never get said or leave people wondering if they are making a difference. He was able to do this because he kept up with what was going on in Philemons life even tho they were in different areas serving.
It’s a short book with 2 great challenges for each of us to question. First, has to deal with our reputation, testimony, and influence. Could others say the things Paul says about Philemon about us? Why or Why not?
The second challenge for each of us to question is this, Do we have someone we are mentoring? Is there someone we are challenging to be more like Christ, serving with, and capable of passing the baton to if God calls us somewhere else or something happens to us.
These are the things that challenge me, and I hope they challenge you also. Let’s not just talk about it, Lets be About it!
Today, ask yourself these two questions, “What type of reputation is my lifestyle producing?” and “Who am I mentoring and challenging to be more like Christ?”
Dan Gould 