There are times when we’re just not sure what to do. We need some advice and direction. Yesterday I pointed out that in times like these,God puts people in our lives to help us pilot our lives.

But how do we know who these people are?

Well, Paul tells us. Someone he lifts up as an example is Epaphroditus: “he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me” (Philippians 2:29-30). What was commendable about Epaphroditus? He lived sacrificially for the work of Jesus.

In light of this, we can learn from the example of people like Epaphroditus—from those who live sacrificially for the work of Jesus. These are the people who serve and help others, even when it involves self-sacrifice. Because they know what matters most, they don’t get as easily distracted by what matters least.

Think of someone in your own life who lives sacrificially for the work of Jesus. If you need to, take some time and write down some names. Identify someone who lives sacrificially for the work of Jesus. They might be someone God has put in your life to give you advice and direction when you’re just not sure what to do.

When you’re dealing with adversity or uncertainty, you sometimes feel alone. But you’re not. God is with you. And so are other people. Quite often, ‘alone’ is a state of mind.

Find someone who lives sacrificially for the work of Jesus. Because they know what matters most, they don’t get as easily distracted by what matters least. And those are people who are definitely worth listening to.

By Matthew Ruttan

–“Up!” is published 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and returns on March 2.
–Bible quotes are from the NIV.