Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:4-9 NIV)
As our pastor read this passage yesterday, it stood out to me as something very appropriate for the time we are living in right now. So let’s take a closer look.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Always. Not occasionally. Not sometimes. Not when we’re feeling good or the circumstances of our lives are just right. Always. No matter what is going on.
It is always helpful to know the context of Scripture and this is no exception. At the time he was writing, Paul was in a Roman dungeon, chained to a Roman guard. Not the most idyllic situation. Yet, he is encouraging his fellow believers, who were also being persecuted, and us to rejoice, not in our circumstances, but in the Lord.
“Let your gentleness be evident to all.” With the advent of social media, coarseness in our conversations and the way in which we relate to others is in and gentleness is out. The command here is to be intentionally gentle. If it is to be evident, it must be demonstrated. Paul is calling us to intentionally be different. He may be echoing his command to the Thessalonians not to “quench the Spirit,” but to allow Him to produce His fruit, of which gentleness is one, within us.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Again, imagine the context in which Paul is writing. He has plenty about which to be anxious. But he eschews the “go it alone” approach. He leans on the Lord. And he focuses on what blessings he’s been given, not on what he is currently lacking.
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” What transpires when we rejoice regardless of our circumstances, when we allow the Spirit to have His way with us, when we continually lean on the Lord amidst the circumstances of our lives, and are always mindful of how God has blessed us? There will be a peace in our lives that is unexplainable and totally irrational. This was true of Paul if we look at his situation. How in the world could he have such a positive and content attitude while imprisoned in a Roman jail? It makes no sense, but is such a tremendous witness to the power of God.
Today, recognize the world is desperate for such a witness. We are living in times of great upheaval and uncertainty. People are fearful, angry, and discouraged. There is a strong need for a counterbalance in attitude. Will you bring that to your campus, in your workplace, among your friends and family? I think this is what Jesus had in mind when He said, “Let your light shine before others.”
© Jim Musser 2016
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