A Word from Our Pastor...

THE COURAGE TO ENDURE FAITH-SIZED TRIALS FOR CHRIST
An exerpt from “Joy In Living Worthily”, part 4 of Pastor Ron’s sermon series: A Journey Into Joy: Applying the major themes of Paul’s letter to the Philippians

Throughout his years in office, Abraham Lincoln was a president under fire, especially during the scarring years of the Civil War. And though he knew he would make errors while serving in office, he resolved never to compromise his integrity. So strong was this resolve that he once said, "I desire so to conduct the affairs of this administration that if at the end, when I come to lay down the reins of power, I have lost every other friend on earth, I shall at least have one friend left, and that friend shall be down inside of me." Today In The Word, August, 1989, p. 21.

Lincoln knew what Paul knew: that it was better to suffer for righteousness’ sake, than to secure any amount of freedom, peace or popularity in order to avoid suffering.

It is all too easy in life to just take the easier route – the road that is less likely to lead us to trials and suffering. And it is no different when it comes to spiritual realities. It would have been easy for the Philippian believers to just choose freedom, peace or popularity at the expense of the gospel. They could walk down the streets of the city of Philippi and gaze upon the temptations and sensations of Roman life - and just be enamoured with it – get enticed by it. And it would have been all too easy for them to weigh the benefits of living such a life – against having to adhere to the costly, selfless and sacrificial values Jesus had called them to.

The call to “carry” one’s “cross” is not exactly an attractive message in our post-Christian culture, nor, will I suggest is it attractive to the culture of the church! We, by nature, flee from the prospect of pain and suffering. We repel it. But Paul did not shrink back from the trials brought on by his faith. Rather, he regarded suffering for Jesus as a privilege. And more, he saw suffering and persecution as being sent by God and required by Him. Look at Philippians 1:29 “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him...”
Sometimes it’s hard to exist as a person of faith in Jesus Christ alongside the values of the world. It’s where two kingdoms collide. Yet while we do, we are to live lives worthy of the gospel – as people who belong to another city – the kingdom of heaven. C. S. Lewis said, “In the truest sense, Christians have the best of both worlds. We have joy whenever this world reminds us of the next, and we have peace whenever it does not.” And that was why Paul could rejoice in living worthily for the gospel, and worthy of His Saviour, even if that meant having to endure opposition and trial. For Paul - there was always spiritual gain in worldly pain. For the apostle, it was always about the gain – spiritually – and it was his heart and prayer that the church in Philippi would see it the same way – just as we should, today.