Pastor Chris’ Corona Quarantine Epistles to the Flock of AIC Ngong Road, in Dispersion and Isolation. 23rd. Edition.
Dear Pilgrims,
Yesterday we saw in Philippians 1:19-26, Paul’s conviction, conflict, and control. We look today at verses 27-30. Here Paul encourages the Christians to Conduct themselves in a manner that is worthy. Whether he does get to them or not, he wants to hear the good news of their unity, purpose, and effort. Unity in the body of Christ is critical to its mission. Prayer can easier be directed where it is most effective. Remember the words of Jesus, “If two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them… ” (Matthew 18:19).
So often prayer is wasted because the body of Christ is divided. Have Courage. Facing adversaries with boldness, he says, is a clear statement of their perdition and the salvation of the believers. Someone has said that courage is not necessarily the absence of fear, but rather the ability to do what is right and needful, despite the threat. Fear can paralyze one, to the point of being useless in a situation.
In these days of the COVID-19 threat, one can be so petrified as to be unable to function. Such would be a poor testimony to unbelievers. The threat of COVID-19 is real, but so is the promise of our God that he will never leave us, nor forsake us. Like Paul earlier, “To live is Christ and to die is gain.” The world around us needs to see that our hope is not dampened by the threat of death. Continue in the struggle. Suffering is part of the standard menu for the Christian. Not only so, but we ought to consider it an honor. Like himself, Paul suggests that they should be conflicted, as he was, having moved away from self-preservation to the welfare of others on the one hand, and the glory of God, on the other.
We are not quite Christlike until our interests take a backseat and our conflict is between meeting the needs of others and pleasing the Lord. I’m not quite there. Where do you find yourself?
Your loving Pastor Chris.