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 Philippians 2 - Against the Grain

        This passage is tough.  It shouldn’t be.  But because of our human nature, it is.  It goes against the grain.  Against what society expects of us.  People are wired to want to impress others and to look after their interests.  We dress for success, fake it until we make it, and have a strong desire for honor and recognition.  The human condition.  The American way.  And yet the passage is clear, we are to have the same attitude that Jesus had (2:3).

        God’s way is different.  Citizens of heaven are different.  Different good.  God softens our hearts with the realization that He loves us - tenderly and compassionately.  In Saskatchewan farmer terms, God is the great cultivator of hearts - the Good Shepard, the Wise Farmer.  Simultaneously we realize that God is the One who brings justice and judgment with omnipotence.  That is a place of reverence and holy good fear.

        What is the benefit of being a man or woman of Christ?  Reconciliation with the Father and fellowship in the family.  Eternity with God.

        Like Jesus Christ, humble yourself today in obedience to God and think of others as better than yourself.  Be creatively kind.  Make an effort to think of ways to help others and to be merciful.

        Know this today.  God is working in you to give you the desire for holiness.  It may not seem like it, but He is.  You are growing to hate sin and to be ashamed of any pattern toward it.  You are going so far as to make new, good, godly habits.  God is giving you deep reverence and godly fear to do what pleases God.  Thank God!

        Men of Christ are brothers, co-workers, and fellow soldiers (2:25).  Our binds are stronger and thicker than blood.  We are family.  Children of the Almighty King.  We must work well together, nay, fight well together as fellow soldiers for Christ.  We belong to Christ.  We are comforted daily by God’s love.  We have fellowship together in the Spirit.

        Father, forgive us for our arrogance, greed, and selfishness.  Please help your church today to shine brightly with good deeds in a world full of crooked and perverse people.  Amen.


Our son, Abraham, at Jefferson's Monticello.


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