A Cure

Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. --Philippians 2:14-16

Don’t just glance over that passage as I first did. Read it again. Here was my question… how do I do that? How do I not grumble and question things? How do you avoid grumbling, questioning attitudes? Following the Exodus Israel was repeatedly in trouble for grumbling and questioning God’s leading. Do not fall into Israel’s pattern. Instead rely solely on God’s provision against sin… His grace!

"What? Me Worry?"

Philippians 4:6 - Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

My wife says I am the original Alfred E. Newman character with my “What? Me Worry?” attitude. I was this way before I was a believer, however, so the downfall now is that I still do not pray about many matters of concern; it’s a practice I am working on, but have not yet perfected. But when I talk with people I do find a lot of worriers. They too need to earn to pray more. Worrying solves nothing while allowing God to resolve all things is the only solution to any problem. Let’s learn to become better prayers.

An Ongoing Need

Paul counts all things to be loss (v.8) …that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. – Philippians 3:10-11

When we are our first priority in life, we cannot truly know the power of Christ for we rely on the liar “Me.” It is only when we surrender all we are to Him that He can work in and through us. The problem for the Christian is the ongoing need to surrender. We often want to be “Me” instead of being used by Him. Where are you today? Who is in charge right now?

"What? Me Worry?"

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7

When it comes to worrying, I don’t. Carol refers to me as Alfred E. Newman (the cover character from MAD Magazine – “What? Me worry?”) However, on the rare occasions I do a bit of worrying, I find Paul’s advice in today’s verse quite helpful. Worrying will not help a situation; it only tends to add another level of negative behavior, attitude, and anxiousness to the situation. Prayer is the answer and peace is the result. Try it.

Pressing On

Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 3:13-14

That first phrase here gets me every time I read it because I identify with it so much. And you should too. No one has “laid hold” of the “power of the His resurrection” (Paul speaks of in v.10). That power is experiencing eternal life – it’s the prize of which he speaks. However, he keeps working at it. Are you?

Don't be "Tom"

…do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. - Philippians 2:4

Knew a man in Bible college, “Tom”, who took the verse too far many times. He’d ignore his interests (even health) and focus on others’. That’s not what God says, is it? Tom told me someone had spoken to him and asked me (and some others I believe) if his actions actually annoyed others. I had to say yes and bit by bit Tom learned to take better care of himself while caring for others more appropriately. I’m not sure if Tom’s unknown counselor used this verse, but it certainly applied. Don’t ignore your interests while caring.

Gain the Prize

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 3:14

I had a question about this verse while at camp. I guess the person thought I should know since I use it so often. The question was “What’s the prize?” my answer satisfied me and the questioner; it’s the fullness of blessings and rewards in the age to come, especially being in perfect fellowship with Christ forever. Strive to gain the prize.

Finish the Job

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. - Philippians 1:6

Paul reminds you that God put on you on your path and will see you through to the end. You do not know the end (despite even Harold Camping’s claim), but are assured that everything God has intended for you will happen before your personal judgment before Him. Pray for wisdom to do the will of the Omnipotent.

Unity leads to…

Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.Philippians 2:1-2, NASB

What follows after "by being" is how Paul says we should be towards one another – in a word, "united." Our unity here is based upon the "if" statements that begin the sentence. Do you see the result? Let me know.