April 30 – Philippians 2:14-18
“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.”
Wouldn’t it be awesome if we could just work together without complaint or argument? I think that at some level this is as impossible a feat as becoming perfect, just as Christ is perfect. Really, what is Paul thinking?
As much as he loves the church in Philippi, he must recognize that the people there are very human. For heaven’s sake, he had arguments with the other disciples at different stages in his life. But, he forges ahead with his plea. Do everything – and by everything, he means all of those things that people do together in a church setting. There would be discussions on how to care for the widows and orphans … probably arguments about how much money should be spent – if we do it for one, we’ll have to do it for everyone, you know. There would be discussions on how to handle a new believer’s former life catching up to them. Some might argue for great grace, others concerned about the influence that believer might have on others within the fellowship. I’m certain that you could apply a great many divisive issues to this group of Christians. And I’m also certain that you could apply that same creative mind to divisive issues you have seen happen in your own church, whether you were a part of them or not.
It’s just human to argue about things we hold near and dear to our hearts- our faith and our church can tend to bring up very strong passions.
But, Paul calls us away from all of that. Stop the arguing and the complaining. Why? Because the world sees all of that. The world is depraved and crooked. We are to be blameless and pure so that we can shine like stars in the universe among them. When we act poorly within our churches, trust me … the world pays attention. It’s all over our lives, we can’t treat each other badly within the church congregation and then walk out the doors and hope that no one sees us. It’s all over everything that we do.
Paul reminds them that he is responsible for their fellowship. It is on him that they grow in their faith. He brought them to Jesus and has worked tirelessly to help them grow. No matter what happens to him – even if he is poured out – even if he faces death, he rejoices with their success.
For Paul, the unity of the church is of prime importance. This is something about which to rejoice.
“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.”
Wouldn’t it be awesome if we could just work together without complaint or argument? I think that at some level this is as impossible a feat as becoming perfect, just as Christ is perfect. Really, what is Paul thinking?
As much as he loves the church in Philippi, he must recognize that the people there are very human. For heaven’s sake, he had arguments with the other disciples at different stages in his life. But, he forges ahead with his plea. Do everything – and by everything, he means all of those things that people do together in a church setting. There would be discussions on how to care for the widows and orphans … probably arguments about how much money should be spent – if we do it for one, we’ll have to do it for everyone, you know. There would be discussions on how to handle a new believer’s former life catching up to them. Some might argue for great grace, others concerned about the influence that believer might have on others within the fellowship. I’m certain that you could apply a great many divisive issues to this group of Christians. And I’m also certain that you could apply that same creative mind to divisive issues you have seen happen in your own church, whether you were a part of them or not.
It’s just human to argue about things we hold near and dear to our hearts- our faith and our church can tend to bring up very strong passions.
But, Paul calls us away from all of that. Stop the arguing and the complaining. Why? Because the world sees all of that. The world is depraved and crooked. We are to be blameless and pure so that we can shine like stars in the universe among them. When we act poorly within our churches, trust me … the world pays attention. It’s all over our lives, we can’t treat each other badly within the church congregation and then walk out the doors and hope that no one sees us. It’s all over everything that we do.
Paul reminds them that he is responsible for their fellowship. It is on him that they grow in their faith. He brought them to Jesus and has worked tirelessly to help them grow. No matter what happens to him – even if he is poured out – even if he faces death, he rejoices with their success.
For Paul, the unity of the church is of prime importance. This is something about which to rejoice.
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