In review of Philippians 1:5 this morning, I read how Paul said, “I thank God for the help you gave me” (NCV).
Paul remembered the Philippians with joy and thanksgiving when he prayed. The Philippians were willing to be used by God for whatever he wanted them to do. By helping Paul, they were helping Christ's cause. When others think of me, what comes to their minds? Am I thought by them with joy? Do my acts of kindness lift others up? The Philippians where partners with Paul in spreading the Good News. He remembered how they contributed through practical help through their financial support. As I help others through prayer, hospitality, and financial gifts, I too become a partner with them in spreading the gospel message.
Paul wrote the book of Philippians to the church that he started in Philippi, where a woman named Lydia opened up her home and, along with others, welcomed Paul to the city. The Philippian church even helped fund Paul’s missionary journeys. In Philippians 1:5, Paul says, “I thank God for the help you gave me” (NCV).
What I’m learning is that Paul didn’t really have a smooth time in Philippi. In fact, it was one of his roughest churches to get started. When Paul went to this city to start a church, he was beaten, whipped, humiliated, falsely arrested, thrown into prison, and survived an earthquake. Then he was politely asked by the city leaders to leave town.
Yet Paul told the believers, “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God” (Philippians 1:3 NLT).
What is Paul doing there? He is choosing selective memory. Philippi was not a happy place for Paul, and he endured a lot of persecution and suffering during his time in that city. But he chose not to dwell on painful memories. Instead, he expressed his gratitude for the good things that had been done for him and through him.
The longer you know someone, the more likely you are to take that person for granted, look for faults, and remember the bad things instead of good things.
Am I still clinging to some painful memories with some people in your life? Never letting them off the hook, and not enjoying those relationships because I’m still holding on to the past.
My memories are a choice. If I want to hold on to the painful ones, then I can. But it won’t leave me happy! Paul had a lot of reasons to focus on painful memories of Philippi. Instead, he chose to be grateful for the people in his life and the work God was doing in and through them. When I do the same, God will bless my relationships far beyond my expectations.
In summary, be thankful for the help I receive. I in turn can be of help to others. As I help others through prayer, hospitality, and financial gifts, I become a partner with others in spreading the Good News. Paul had a rough time getting the Church in Philippi established. While he endued a lot of persecution and suffering, he chose not to dwell on it. Instead he expressed gratitude for the good things that had been done for him and through him. So my memories are a choice. If I want to hold onto the painful ones, I can. But it won't help me be happy. Like Paul, I can choose to be grateful for the people in his life and the work God was doing in and through them. When I do the same, God will bless my relationships.
Today’s verse and devotion, help me to realize that I can choose to remember either the bad or the good. Choosing to remember the good is so much better. Also, I need to be of assistance to others in lifting them up and supporting them. Today I choose to be grateful for those in my life and to remember the good. I pray this morning Father for help with my perspective and with me being of service and help to others. I also ask for your wisdom and guidance for the day ahead. I pray these things through your Son Jesus name, Amen.
0 comments:
Post a Comment