For You…

The letter to the Philippians is one of Paul’s warmest letters. It was also one of his most joy-filled. It is written to a group of people he knew and loved. What is so amazing is that he wrote it from prison, and even as he wrote it, he was facing capital charges. He knew very well he might be martyred for his faith.

When I think about Paul in his situation, I can imagine at that stage in his life and ministry, after all he had endured, years of imprisonment, being shipwrecked, stoned, beaten… he had to feel worn out. He had to be tired. I imagine he thought about going home to be with Jesus… I imagine he longed to experience that “eternal weight of glory beyond all measure” that he had so beautifully written about.

And in chapter 2, verse 21, he writes, “For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain.”

But it’s almost as if he is having an argument within himself because then he adds, “I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better… But…” he continues, “to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you…” For you… Then he adds, “Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith…”

In other words, Paul’s whole motivation to live, his whole motivation to keep on keeping on is his desire to serve others.

No doubt, love is a powerful motivator. So is the need to give, to serve, to make a difference. The truth is, at every stage of life, we all have something to offer others. We all can find ways to give and serve.

Our faith teaches us that Jesus shows us the very heart of God. If this is true, then we see clearly that we worship a God who gives it all away. We worship a God who is love… We worship a God who walks side by side with those who suffer…those in need.

If we are created in the image of such a God, it’s no wonder we find great meaning, joy, and hope in our giving.

Let us pray: Gracious God, we thank you that even in our brokenness, you still seek to work through us. We pray today, especially for those who feel they are carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders. Be near to them. Be near to us. Amen.