Today’s scripture: Philippians 1: 8-30 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Teri Brown):
The Bible encourages me on a regular basis. Rarely do I open to a page where I am not comforted, uplifted, or inspired by the message which I often haphazardly come across. Today’s passage is no different. In fact, I can truly say that each time I have encountered Philippians 1: 8-30, I have been at a place in my life where I needed to ponder that message and reflect on what was being asked of me at that particular time in my life.
It appears Paul is making a similar declaration as he compares his chains or afflictions to “fruitful labor,” as he sees the opportunity to spread the gospel. In Paul’s case his imprisonment allowed him to use his time behind bars to contemplate; and others used Paul’s ability to survive, pray, and encourage; while in others, while in prison as a message about God and Jesus. Paul even mentions that prisoners, free men, palace guards, and others benefit from his being chains. Even though the message is spread in different ways for different reasons, this is still an occasion to rejoice.
But Paul’s statement from verse 21 moved me the most: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (NIV). I know exactly how he feels. There have been times I have been so ill that I thought I would be happiest when the time came when I finally died and I could be with Christ. But after coming through, I know that is also a witness and a testimony to my faith and strength and as wonderful it will be to finally be with Christ. I, like Paul, know that to live through afflictions and be able to share that message with others is just as rewarding and cause to rejoice for those who already know Christ and the gospel will be encouraged and those who are without the gospel or who oppose the message will be frightened or “destroyed.”
Paul also speaks of trouble makers who actually preach the gospel but “out of selfish ambition.” How many people do we know who have a hidden agenda which interferes with our own spreading of the Word and managing our own afflictions? Paul has given me food for thought. I have cried interference, when I could have accepted and rejoiced, just as Paul does, that the message is being spread and I am being fruitful, regardless of the circumstances.
Today, I am going to let go of all of the “what ifs” and pointing fingers or thinking I need to suffer in silence, and I choose to let my chains or afflictions guide me to use my situation to spread the message and let others believe what they believe, suffer in the way they suffer and let Christ be Christ!
Thought for the day: What are your chains or afflictions, and how is the message being spread through you?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.