Thursday, May 16, 2013

Philippians 2:5-6

Sigh....powerful verses. It makes me think of all the times we sarcastically declare -- "It's not like I'm God" or accuse someone of playing God....and I know I don't usually give it a second thought.  But then I stop and think....of course I'm not equal to God....but how many times do I refuse to surrender, refuse to let go....and behave like a toddler -- "me do it me-self" I never realized that when I try to handle things....I'm trying to make myself equal to God.  Yikes

Lord, I humble myself.  I don't fully understand what I continue to grasp at...but help me realize that it is You I yearn for and it is You alone that can lift and fill my soul with peace.  Amen.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Philippians 2:3-4

Well more of Paul's instructions as how to achieve that community that we should aspire to in Christ.  When we concern ourselves with others and how we can affect them, we walk a little closer to Christ.  It's good to remember tho....that as much as we care about others, we'll never be able to love them as much as we are called to love them unless we allow Christ to love them through us.

I've been struggling lately with the issue of anger and accountability.  I feel like there have been times that I've surrendered myself and maybe it wasn't the choice that was in my best interest....times I should have stood up and said....this behavior makes me angry and it's not okay.  I find myself wrestling with the love we are called to show and actually perverting it with my attempts to "love" by not being angry with actions that hurt me.

I'm not sure that there is a hard and fast rule for when it's okay...and when it's not....to "turn the cheek"

So...Paul says "don't look out ONLY for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too."

I find the ONLY encouraging.  It means I don't have to be a doormat...but the balance is....I don't treat someone else that way as well.

Things to chew over....

Philippians 2:1-2

Okay -- gotta say...Paul cracking me up here.  In my head, I can almost hear him....and I love how he argues his case.  I have to wonder...did Paul go to law school.  :)  Bill always tells me one of the golden rules (ha golden) is never ask a question you don't already know how it's gonna be answered.  And that's what Paul does.  But he doesn't stop there...he lays it down...if we answer affirmatively -- which as Christians pretty much must...then here's where the rubber hits the road....here's what we must do...oh snap.

And you know it's just little things he wants us to do to make him and Christ happy.  I wish.

How to apply this....In many ways, I think it's really the "yes" answer to the final question that sets us up to succeed with Paul's list of happiness makers....If my heart is tender and compassionate I am much more open to being loving to my "brothers and sisters."  Working together with one mind and purpose...   Wow...what an amazing challenge.

Lord, only you can bring these changes.  Only you can lead us to working together with one mind and purpose.  Amen.