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 Philippians 2:29 - Stones and Slingshots

        God has a deadly sense of humor.  Humor is often hilarious because we see in it reality, tragic truth.  I think God uses similes to get our attention.  To show us how ridiculous we can be and the need for common sense amid foolishness.

        We hear in this passage a stern call for genuine care for peoples’ welfare.  And a call not to turn away like so many do.  Do we genuinely care for what matters to Jesus Christ?  Christians.  We must prove ourselves worthy by the way we live.  We must work hard to show the results of our salvation.  

        Be like Timothy.  And Paul.  And Epaphroditus - who risked his life for the work of Christ.

        Help us Lord God to work hard for you today without complaining or arguing.  And help us to live clean, innocent, and good lives.  May we give God honor.  We know that God protects those of childlike faith (Psalm 116:6).  May our faith be innocent and pure and childlike as we trust God.

        The Bible makes it clear (2:29) that we have to be mindful, careful if you will, about whom we honor.  Paul says to give people like Epaphriditus the honor that they deserve.  Sadly, our churches often honor fools.  The Bible says “Honoring a fool is as foolish as tying a stone to a slingshot” (Proverbs 26:8).  That’s funny.  Yet dead right.  Don’t honor fools.  

        It’s a great day to strive for unity.  Christians must find ways to agree upon the essentials, the truth of Christ.  When we work together with one mind and purpose we are strong.  Recognize when our organizations are characterized by greed, unaccountability, and selfishness.  And when we make a priority of trying to impress the world.  Stop it.  Instead, let’s be godly.  Take accountability.  Be humble - think of others as better than ourselves.  

        Don’t cling to our rights.  And our interests.  Instead, like Paul encourages us here, let’s be obedient to God.

        Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the work you’ve given us to do today.  And for every one of your humble servants.  Thank you for your sense of humor and your standards of righteousness.  May we be worthy to be called God’s children today.  Amen.


Artwork honoring the Apostles (Rural England near Sheffield)

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