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Scripture: Philippians 1.21-26 (NRSV)
21 For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. 23 I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; 24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. 25 Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, 26 so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.
Comments
Philippians reflects a marked fondness between Paul and the people. He notes in verse seven that the Philippians "share in God's grace with me" (NRSV). And he affirms, "For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus" (v. 8, NRSV). Literally, Paul says he desires the Philippians with the "bowels of Christ Jesus," for the Jews considered the bowels the seat of tender affections.
Paul, being in prison, was torn between martyrdom and living. Martyrdom meant to be with Christ and gain for Paul. For Paul to live meant serving Christ’s church. He affirms remaining in the body as more necessary for the Philippians. Therefore, he avows, "Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith" (1.25, NRSV). Paul forgoes self-interest for the good of the Philippian Christians. His intent is their "progress" and "joy."
Serving persons in Christ's name entails not letting self-interest impede our God-assigned role. In Christian service we can wrongfully use those we serve to meet our needs for affection. Paul could express affection for the Philippians, but he was clear about his role as spiritual mentor. While we can receive love from those whom we are called to be Christ’s servants to, their "progress" and "joy" must take priority over our needs for affection. We must place their needs in Christ above our needs, as Paul says in verse twenty-six, "that I may share in your boasting in Christ Jesus" (NRSV). We can keep this focus as servants, when we can say, "For to me, living is Christ" (v. 21, NRSV).
Prayer:Beloved, especially when I feel weak, discouraged, or lonely, it is easy to seek to get the affection from those I serve that they are not meant to provide me. Fill me so with living in You, my Love, daily, that I can serve others unselfishly for their joy and growth in the Holy Spirit. Amen.
*OneLife writings are offered by Brian K. Wilcox, a United Methodist pastor serving in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. He writes in the spirit of John Wesley's focus on the priority of inner experience of the Triune God; scriptural holiness; ongoing sanctification; the goal of Christian perfection (or, wholeness). Brian seeks to integrate the best of the contemplative teachings of Christianity East and West, from the patristic Church to the present. Brian lives a vowed contemplative life with his two dogs, Bandit Ty and St. Francis, in North Florida. OneLife writings are for anyone seeking to live and share love, joy, and peace in the world and in devotion to God as she or he best understands God.
*Brian's book An Ache for Union, a book of poems on mystical union with God through love, can be ordered through major on-line booksellers.
The Grace of Christ be with All!
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