Heralds Digest

"For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21 NKJV) The usefulness of every commodity depends on its shelf life. Understanding that man's opportunities in life were like commodities, there is little wonder why many would be desperate to maximize the utility of every instrument of pleasure, beauty, and position within this uncertain period. To live to this end is self, and to die is waste. However, the hope of eternity represents a significant twist in the conception of Apostle Paul about shelf life. To live for Christ is more than believing in His name for the purpose of hand-twisting him with His assurance of heaven. There is an unfathomable joy in the heart for the privilege of suffering with Him on earth. And if death comes, there would be no guilt about a job left undone. It pays better, if gain is guaranteed in death.

"What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice." (Philippians 1:18 NKJV) "Chains in Christ" must be a unique solemn experience that Apostle Paul's life teaches believers, that would account their lives as bought galleries for showcasing God's glory. Otherwise, chains and pains are taken personal with frequent release of the message of bitterness and resentment. When the chains on Paul's body were treated as having nothing to do with his personality, but rooted in the essence of Christ, a good message of salvation is preached. There cannot be a better message and incorruptible source of joy in any alternative attraction to self gratification rather than the Savior's glorification.

"Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6 NKJV) A careful man will suspend the celebration of the start of a worthwhile project until its completion. Experience often teach the reality of human limitation and the futility of its prowess in the face of principality. However, engagement in every work that is initiated by God comes with confidence that completion is guaranteed. Such was the evidence of grace in the life of the Philippians, among whom Apostle Paul had laboured before his incarceration. Whether physically in chain or pain, we can experience real joy based on the evidence of God's grace - the real good work - in all affairs of life.

"Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them." (Romans 16:17 NKJV) There is a virtue and a deposit of grace upon every redeemed soul that cannot be replicated with rubies or the riches of this world. This is the virtue of love that covers multiple of sins (offenses). While diversity in the demonstration of human attributes among brethren is expected, it is the self-centered nature of the heart that prevents anyone from abiding in the doctrine of love. When the relevance of self is not focused, the riches of the work of grace in the life of all the creatures of God become evident. Unfortunately, the promotion of division among brethren, by belittling the contributions of others, is the consistent attempt to place relevance at the centre of self. Only wise followers of Christ accept the call to the doctrine of love, and refuse the temptation to follow self-centered promoters.

"...that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints." (Romans 15:31 NKJV) It is natural to expect appreciation from every good gesture; but consistent sowing of good seeds will be impossible with uncertain wind of appreciation. If Apostle Paul could offer prayer for security in service to sinners, and a petition for acceptance in service to saints, it is obvious that he needed no motivation in order to serve the Lord. Rather than the reward-seeking dedication of service, free-flowing service cherishes the opportunity of laying aside a little out of the remnant of a wasted life in sin, prior to catching a glimpse of the mercy of God. After all, a free-flowing service is an evidence of a fresh-glowing grace in the heart of man.

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13 NKJV) The only thing that readily excite self is the pleasurable happenings, and not the unending hoping. Hope defers breed boredom, especially when self's desires are unfulfilled. However, when we look a little deeper than self's glorious expectation from all engagements in life, heart's restlessness become outdated. We all need the grace of God to pass self and its unreasonable demands.

"Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another." (Romans 14:19 NKJV) Ascension into the presence of God is the priority of all who love the Lord. Yet, the demand for clean hands and pure hearts often invite the diverse interpretation of the faithful. Although it is logical to adopt a separatist lifestyle in order to avoid contamination, the pursuit of clean hands before God is impossible without the practice of peace with fellow men. It is not the accommodation of people's understanding about the circumstances of life that defiles the heart. Hearts are disconnected when education is given priority over edification. The pursuit of peace, especially with people who are called within the same neighbourhood with us, is the priority of fellowship in the love of God.