Philippians 1:21-30 (NRSV)
21 For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me, yet I cannot say which I will choose. 23 I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better, 24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. 25 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, 26 so that, by my presence again with you, your boast might abound in Christ Jesus because of me.
27 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 28 and in no way frightened by those opposing you. For them, this is evidence of their destruction but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. 29 For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ but of suffering for him as well, 30 since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
Devotion
In this letter, a favorite of many for its message, simplicity—and brevity—Paul offers a prayer for the church in Philippi, followed by some news and reflections about his own situation. “Simplicity” with Paul is always a relative term, and so it is with this letter. Paul knows he is facing possible death, as many Roman prisoners did. But he tells the Philippians he is not sure how he feels about that (vv. 21-24). He contrasts his own desire, to be with Christ after dying, with his call to serve his mission and followers. Then Paul urges his readers to “live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ,” and stand firm in faith. This courage in the face of threat is evidence of salvation, God’s doing—believing in Christ is a great privilege granted by God.
The German martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer, sentenced to death for plotting against Hitler, wrote in his last message “ … for me this is the end but also the beginning…I believe in the principle of our Universal Christian brotherhood which rises above all national interests, and that our victory is certain.” Martin Luther King, another martyr, said “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” And in his final speech, he said, “Like anybody, I would like to live a long life—longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now…I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”
Paul, in grim circumstances, gives us a letter of joy, assurance of salvation, and a guide to what creating a new and right spirit might mean for us. Paul, Bonhoeffer, and King all faced hardships because of their faith that few if any of us will have to face. But no one’s life is free of challenges, and sometimes these challenges come because of our faith. Can we live our lives “in a manner worthy of Christ” when that means clear opposition to injustice, or in the face of real sacrifice to alleviate poverty or defend the powerless? Our darkest struggles may also be internal, when facing a great loss or wrestling with our own doubts and fears. The journey to a right spirit is hard; that is why we pray for God’s help to create it.
Prayer
Gracious God, we pray with the psalmist for you to renew a right spirit within us, that we may live a life worthy of Christ and be restored by the joy of your salvation.
Rob Hunter
Below are links to a YouTube video of “God of Grace and God of Glory,” a hymn associated in several hymnals with Philippians (not ours), and a self-portrait of Rembrandt as St. Paul. Rembrandt was fascinated with St. Paul and felt a kinship with him.