Philippians 4:1-3 - Settle Disputes

        It is good and pleasing to God when we settle disputes.  Coworkers in Christ, like Eudia and Syntyche mentioned in this passage, may need help to resolve their disputes.  Alas, the world needs lawyers.  If God so chooses, He can give any person a discerning mind (Psalm 119:169).  The prayer of every young lawyer should be for such a gift from God.  Lord Jesus, please give all your saints discerning minds.  Help us to understand right from wrong and as Paul encourages here help us to keep our minds focused on what matters to God.

        I conceive that this is important to God on the micro level.  That is, it is an affront to God to have brothers and sisters feuding.  It’s scandalous and burdensome to the Holy Spirit.  We have all we need to live godly lives.  We have the Spirit of Christ living in us.  Paul tells us that if we put into practice what we learn in the New Testament the “God of peace will be with you” (3:9).  Yes, it is essential that we put our faith into practice.  We need to be men and women of action.  But on a macro level, this is important as well.  As we pray for world peace think about whether or not God has favorites.  I contend He does not.  He offers every human being the responsibility to hear the Gospel and respond to it.  Be careful about the message you provide to the Arab.  And to the Jew.  One is not inferior to the other.  They are both loved by God.  But no one comes to the Father except through the Son (John 14:6).

        I pray for unity in families, in the church, in communities, and amongst nations.  Lord Jesus let us be united with all who fear you and those who know your laws (Psalm 119:79).  For we know that all who wander from God are cursed (Psalm 119:21).

        We, churchmen, those whose names are written in the Book of Life, are obligated to bring the peace of God to the situations we face.  We are supposed to be experienced, mature believers in Christ.  We must act like it.

        Be considerate in all you do!

        Don’t worry.  Instead, pray about everything.  That’s a tough one for me as my mind wanders.  I wonder what God wants us to know and see and for what purpose.  I wonder if He is returning soon.  I trust He is and as Jesus talks about the ten virgins in Matthew 25 I want to be sober-minded and well-prepared for His return.  And I know very well that it will come unexpectedly.  As God made very clear.  But I do wonder why God is building the church the way He is.  I trust things are much better now than they were 200 years ago.  I can see that in society.  I am not a doom and gloom artist and don’t buy into that nonsense.  But I do wonder what we will all do in heaven.  How will God organize it?  What will be our purpose, the meaning of eternal life?  So many people today are looking for meaning in this life.  They wander into churches every week by the tens of thousands even in our small city.  Often they get half-baked prosperity preaching sermons or nonsense sermons that appear to say God has favoritism and if you buy your ticket to ride you can live however you like.  We can and must do better.

        I pray that God gives His comfort and meaning to His church this week.  May we have peace from God and know that today’s troubles give us enough to worry about (Matthew 6:24) and that we need not be concerned with what we don’t understand fully.

        We know that God’s kingdom is not of this world and that He is building his church with patience.  We believe Jesus when He says this in Matthew 11:12-15, “ And from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking it. For before John came, all the prophets and the law of Moses looked forward to this present time. And if you are willing to accept what I say, he is Elijah, the one the prophets said would come.  Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!”

        So, don’t worry.  Be patient.  Pray.  Pray about everything.  Be specific with God.  Let’s tell God what we need.  And thank Him for what He’s done.  

        Lord Jesus, we need your direct guidance today and your wisdom.  Help us to wisely and winsomely settle disputes.  In our families, our organizations, and in our communities.  Please bring us peace and unity.  For we know there is power in the unity of the Church.  Help us be men and women of discernment.  And peace.  Let us be peacemakers who share the Gospel well and who put into practice the example You passed down to us.  Help us to trust in You alone and to make You proud.  Amen.

Arch enjoying hockey cards (with his special glove on).