For the past few days, I’ve been reading Paul’s letter to the Philippians. There is so much detail in this letter that is worthy of exploration both in a microscopic way (looking at the little tidbits) and at a macro view (Paul’s whole life view). Today, I just want to point out a little bit of the macro view. In the first chapter of Philippians, Paul lays out the entirety of what makes his life worth living. Paul was centered on 2 things that I think we all need to understand and emulate. Those 2 things are his ministry in Christ and also his ministry to people. In truth, these are not really 2 different things, but they are related.
First and foremost in Paul’s life was the sharing of the Gospel and creating disciples. This was more important to him than any circumstances around him. If he went to jail, that was ok as long as it gave him opportunity to spread the gospel further. Note Philippians 1:12-14, where Paul says, “Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel,so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.” You see, the circumstances Paul was in gave him NO EXCUSE to not continue to follow his calling to preach the gospel.
Also, Paul was willing to do things for others, even when it wasn’t his preferred option in order to help others for the cause of Christ. Note verses 21-23, which read, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better;” Paul continues this though in verses 24-25, “yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith”. You see, Paul truly loved the church. I am not talking about the institution of the church. Rather, Paul loved the PEOPLE to such an extent that he was willing to do whatever was necessary (in life or in death) to ensure he did what he could to lift it up.
I would encourage anyone to read just this chapter and compare your life to that of Paul. See if you can see his passion for Christ and for Christ’s people. Do you have this sort of love for God’s people? If not, what can you do to rectify that? As Christians, we should be so driven by our love for Christ that the evidence of that love shines through in whatever we do and whereever we are. As Christians, we should love God’s people to the extent that we would be willing to do whatever it takes to lift the church (the people, not the institution) up. I’m not all the way there myself, but I am growing…