Heralds Digest

"For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2:21 NKJV) The search for satisfaction in life is endless, except if the runner changes focus. The possession of material things would initially appear to give satisfaction until the seeker realizes the impossibility of beating the ever-increasing stake of seeking. Obviously, man's sense of inner joy or fulfillment is not resident in the fruitless passion to satisfy self, but in the offer of service to others. With the exception of Timothy and Epaphroditus, other believers around Apostle Paul appeared to bow to the priority of seeking their personal needs before feeding others. While provision of personal needs underscore the maturity of the state of human heart and stability in the face of challenges of life, hidden joy is often discovered with commitment to the needs of others.

"Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world." (Philippians 2:14 NKJV) The secret of an ever glowing light is the continuous supply of unadulterated fuel for the combustion of flame. Apostle Paul had to warn the Philippians against the danger of complain and dispute, if they care to be blameless and harmless. Complain works best towards dispute resolution when matters are before independent panel, whose members are void of personal interests. But when self suffer the pain, it is better to seek special grace to stay calm and refrain from the temptation of ordering correction. Like adulterated fuel, complain and dispute can consume self in its flame, rather than correcting others.

"And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." (Philippians 2:8 NKJV) There is an uncommon sense of joy in accepting the gift of nature, without an ungrateful agitation for change. When Jesus found himself in appearance as a man, he has the option to clearly underscore his divinity in every relationship with his parents, disciples, and the larger society; but he chose to humble himself in acceptance. Christ has thought us that agitation for status change can only guarantee artificial joy, if successful. However, contentment with our present appearance is a source of natural joy and a condition for our glorious appearance.

"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.