Heralds Digest

"Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead." (Philippians 3:13 NKJV) Either on the excitement of excellent performance or the indictment of poor performance, the hangover of past events impede the expected concentration on present performances. Paul revealed the secret of forgetting the things behind to the Philippians, in pursuit of the prize on the things ahead. Every new day opens up a great wealth of opportunities to everyone. However, only believers in the great God (who brings out excellent things out of the naughtiness of the past) can see the future in the light of God's promises, rather than on the evidence of human predicaments.

"And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death." (Philippians 3:9-10 NKJV) There are clearly acceptable norms in every sphere of life, including cultural, religious, moral, economic, political and social norms. Ability to conform to these norms with personal efforts represents a boost to individual ego. Prior to being transformed through Christ, Paul can walk boldly with his shoulders high on the account of his religious ego. He later became proud to lay down this ego in order to discover the riches of Christ's righteousness. There are limitation to what ego can offer in life; but nothing is impossible with Christ's strength, when ego is offered. Although ego offering at the feet of Christ can suffer the acceptable assessment fr...

"Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful". (Philippians 2:28 NKJV) There is a sense of satisfaction in service to humanity that is eternally elusive to self-service. Anyone who has ever found true satisfaction in life must have discovered the secret of ignoring selfish demands during service. While many appeared to be identified as sources of Paul's sorrow, the source of his joy remain singular - by putting smiles on the faces of others. If a singular service of joy to the Philippians through Epaphroditus can reduce sorrows within the imprisoned self, the ripple of joy effect of selfless service represents a sufficient encouragement for continuous engagement.

"Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly". (Philippians 2:23-24 NKJV) Although Paul was ready to pay the final sacrifice for the service of the Lord with utmost gratitude, it remains an expression of selfless sacrifice to be burdened with the gracious accommodation of the Philippians, while relating to the fellowship of suffering. Even his choice of Timothy as the minister to the Church was also based on the same track record of selflessness in the service. Being careless about what happen to self, while being careful about the Lord's service, is an acceptable care offering, well-pleasing to the Lord.

"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) Someone rightly says that darkness is not the opposite of light, but the absence of it. In fact, the only relevance of the light is the threat of darkness. Therefore, it is impossible to discover the luminance of the light without the help of darkness. The activities of the children of darkness are undeniably harmful, but the children of the light cannot be proven blameless until evil can be accommodated with gratitude to God. Harmless light does not leave a stain on its source; it only reveals the darkness in its target.

"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) The inevitable requirement of a fruitful fellowship is the unity in its appearance. The Son of God became the Son of man in order to deliver man from the bondage of sin. Even His disciples queried the sanity behind the death at the cross, in order for the debt of sin to be paid in full. But no one can query the strange and sacred humility that enables the immortal Son to swallow death for the deliverance of man from unrighteousness. Only Christ-like mind can accept the invitation to work in environment where status is not reckoned with.

"For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake". (Philippians 1:29 NKJV) An invitation to a relationship with Jesus Christ is often presented with a bigger than life fantasy. Truly, there is a lifting off of the burden of sin and its consequences, which cannot be possible without the gift of salvation through a gracious belief in Him. However, there is also a grant of an easy yoke at the cross, specially designed to enhance intimacy with Christ and the riches of His glory. We all have our pains, as a consequence of our trust in God's leading concerning ministry, family and work relationships. But above the superficial pain is always the gain of a deeper fellowship with God, when we remain grateful in times of His special grant.