Devotion • September 1
Today’s Scripture Reading
Philippians 1:12–30
I want you to know, beloved that what has happened to me has actually helped to spread the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to everyone else that my imprisonment is for Christ; and most of the brothers and sisters, having been made confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, dare to speak the word with greater boldness and without fear. Some proclaim Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from goodwill. These proclaim Christ out of love, knowing that I have been put here for the defense of the gospel; the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but intending to increase my suffering in my imprisonment. What does it matter? Just this, that Christ is proclaimed in every way, whether out of false motives or true; and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance. It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in any way, but that by my speaking with all boldness, Christ will be exalted now as always in my body, whether by life or by death.
For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.
Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well — since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have. (NRSV)
Reflection
I once had a colleague who responded to every challenge with “It’s all good.” She said this with a singsong lilt that initially made me think she was either passive-aggressive or completely oblivious. Lose her pen? It’s all good. Need to cancel weekend plans because we have a big project due? It’s all good. Lunch order messed up? It’s all good. There were so many times when I wanted to fire back “It’s not good. This is not all good at all!”
The longer we worked together, the more I came to realize that she wasn’t oblivious or in any way aggressive. This way of being was her life’s credo. Day after day I saw her exhibit a can-do resilience that proved everything would be good … eventually. It may take more work or the need to adjust expectations. There may even be moments of discomfort, but every situation could be worked out. Whether she was angry, disappointed, or frustrated had little effect on the situation, but it had everything to do with her spirit.
I wonder if Paul’s letter to the Philippians could have been summarized as “It’s all good.” No matter what is happening, no matter your adverse circumstances or suffering, and even if you lose your life, it can be good. Julian of Norwich said it this way, “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.” Paul distills it into this phrase: “Live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” I cannot imagine either of them with a singsong lilt.
Prayer
Loving God, when I am tempted to allow circumstances to overtake me, be patient. Gently turn me towards living a life worthy of the gospel. Remind me that all shall be well and good. Amen.
Written by Andrea Denney, Executive Director of Operational Ministries
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
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