Today’s scripture: Philippians 1:1-11 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (David Zier):
We are beginning a series on the book of Philippians, one of my favorite books of the Bible. Philippians 4 is probably my favorite chapter with some of my favorite verses. Paul was in prison and awaiting trial during the writing of this letter, not knowing what the outcome may be. As the book begins, it is evident that Paul has an admiration for the church at Philippi. He is challenging them to turn away from partisan interests to a place of more unity, while using his own example (and that of Jesus) of sacrifice. Let’s begin!
As I read this passage from Philippians, Paul’s salutation and prayers for the Philippians is a quick reminder that our current world of social media, quick text messages, and rapid response is quite different. Can you imagine seeing a message on Facebook during a bitter exchange: “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God’s grace with me” (verses 6, 7a)? What kind of reaction would that receive, or how would the environment change if those words appeared after a series of negative posts?
My faculty advisor in seminary, Phil Baisley, started a Facebook group called “GrandpaJoe’s Stop-the-Hate Prayer Group” in response to the negative behavior in social media. This group was started at the beginning of February 2015 and grew to over 100 in a few days. This is the description of the group:
Social media seems to be filled with hateful attitudes and hateful speech. This is a group for people willing to commit at least occasional moments to praying for more grace and civility in these neo-public spaces. The group is open to anyone . . . Comments are for words of encouragement, examples of positive engagement you’ve experienced online, and the occasional written prayer, lyrics, or brief quote.
It is too bad a group like this needs to be formed to be intentionally civil and kind to each other. But why not make this the way all the time? Why not live what Paul says in verses 9-11, and pray this for others and ourselves!
And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.
Paul reminds us of the lost art of communicating greetings, salutations, and genuinely wanting the very best for others. Why not us and why not now?
Prayer for the day: God, help me to be kinder and gentler. Allow the kind and gentle words I use to penetrate my inner most being and to grow my soul. Amen.
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.