Philippians 1:3
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you”.
Paul was a powerful believer. Maybe the greatest in history. Yet, he remembered people, gave thanks for them and the part they played in his life and ministry. This is an important trait. It’s a contrast to what the world teaches. A segment of our culture can be summarized in the song, “My Way”, by Frank Sinatra. While I know it’s a cool song and there are motivational parts of it. But it’s hard to avoid that the song is narcissistic. I don’t want to be too hard on the song, as many parts are good. I think it’s the title and the celebration of doing it my way.
Why do I challenge this song? It seems such a contrast to Jesus and His message. Here are some points: ‘Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me”’, (Matthew 16:24). We are to deny ourselves and submit to Christ. While salvation is free, receiving it requires that we make Him our Lord. We are to obey the morals of the bible.
Another point that challenges these lyrics is that we are to love and forgive others. Jesus says in Matthew 22 that the two greatest commandments are to love God and love others. Our greatest purpose is to love others. That often means putting them first and sacrificing our place in line. Our world is hung up on their rights. While we have them, we can lay them aside to love others.
The Sinatra song is summing up his life at the end of his life. It’s all about me and mine. He is missing all the important points that Jesus shares. While there are good motivational points, the important ones from God’s perspective are missed. Paul takes time to show his gratitude for the believers at Philippi.
Are we grateful for others? Yes, we need our alone time, we’ve got to go to work to make a living. We’ve got our check list for things that need to get done. The phrase, “by the way” can be helpful. As we are going to and fro getting our work done we are to love and be gracious to all we encounter. Hold the door, let others go first. I know we get anxious about not getting our work done, but we should cast our cares upon Him (I Peter 5:7). He wants us to love others as we go, so He will assist us as we bless them. He will make our work go efficiently.
We should confidently go through our day seeking to bless others. This is stronger than wrestling with ourselves to let others go first. It confidently trusts God will help us as we bless others. We aren’t hesitating, but confidently loving. That was more along Paul’s line.
Luke 8 shares a great story where someone’s life was on the line and Jesus stopped to heal a sick lady. The initial person had a sick daughter who was near death. He came to Jesus for help. He said He would go with him. The sick lady came and unintentionally interrupted the encounter. Then comes verse 49, ‘While He was still speaking, someone came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, “Your daughter has died; do not trouble the Teacher anymore.” Prior to this the father must have been anxious. He wanted Jesus to hurry. Then he stops to help a woman who wasn’t in danger of dying. All hope must have drained from him at those words. Jesus addresses his fears in verse 50, ‘But when Jesus heard this, He responded to him, “Do not be afraid any longer; only believe, and she will be made well.”’ Jesus wasn’t worried. He could heal the woman and resurrect the daughter. Granted, we don’t have that power, but we can calmly minister to all who cross our paths.
The world doesn’t understand faith. Continuing with the story of the sick daughter, Jesus enters the house, and they are all wrapped up in grief. Verses 52 and 53 say, “Now they were all weeping and mourning for her; but He said, “Stop weeping, for she has not died, but is asleep.” And they began laughing at Him, knowing that she had died. There is nothing wrong with grief, but Jesus knew there was more. When He said that she wasn’t dead, they quickly switched from grief to mockery. The walk of faith transcends. We don’t know what’s going on until we arrive. God may prompt us to do something. Try it. Pray for people. Jonathon, Saul’s son expressed this kind of faith in I Samuel 14:6b, “Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” Perhaps the Lord will bless our attempts to minister to others.
Lord, thank You for Paul’s example of loving others. Help us to love them as we go throughout our day. We know You will as that’s how Jesus was and it’s how You challenge us to be. Thank You.