Phil. 1:27 "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ... (v.28)without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. (v.29) For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him..." (italics mine)
Gulp!
The NLT version words it this way: "Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.
(28) Don't be intimidated in any way by your enemies. (29) For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privelege of suffering for him. (Again, italics mine.)
You know, when Bible study on Friday deals with the topic of community and how we as Christians should interact with it. Then Sunday, the message from the pulpit is on these very verses, you KNOW God is trying to make things clear to you.
In light of recent events in our life out here, I can say what a challenge it has been to live up to this very high calling. Philippians is packed with similar ideas that call us to live above the standard the world sets, simply through compassion and love, not thinking we are better than others, but to humbly serve.
"Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too." ({Phil. 2:3-5)
As much as I want to dwell on my failures in this area, Philippians then turns to verses that offer so much of the Grace of God: His compassion with my humanity, his forgiveness for my failures, his abounding love that far surpasses my worthiness.
"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:6-7)
This is not Christian "mumbo-jumbo." These are LIFE GIVING words, full of hope for everyone!
And when we do screw up? Make wrong decision? Think we are doing good, when really we are putting our desires ahead of others? Guess what? As we "press on" toward living a life of (perfect) faith, as even Paul confesses,
"No dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Phil. 3:13-14)
I keep hoping that "one day" I'll get it right! But in reality, one day...
(Verse 21 of Chapter 3) "He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control."
Not "might," but WILL!
What peace, what satisfaction to live with these promises. I can only be thankful that when others don't understand me, and even I don't understand myself, He does.
Hope you all have a great week!
Lesley
2 comments:
A great reflection, Lesley. We can all relate, facing different challenges of life. Isn't phil. awesome? full of hope and joy in the midst of hardships and trials. comforting and encouraging us all to move on. thanks for sharing.
Lesley, thank you for this blog. We serve a wonderful God who cares for EVERY detail in our life. Be comforted and encouraged. We will keep praying for you & the family,
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