Philippians 3-4 (ESV) by Wordle*

Today’s reading is Philippians 3:1-4:23.

“I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life” (Philippians 4:2-3).

Sadly, even among Christians discord arises. This reminds me that we are being perfected; we aren’t perfect yet. Since Christianity is about growth, some of that old man will rear its ugly head at times and cause discord even among fellow laborers.

But I am really struck by Paul’s final statement in this paragraph: “…whose names are in the book of life.” I wonder if Euodia and Syntyche recognized that about each other. I know when I get into discord with someone, I can criminalize and evilize them. Because they are in discord with me, they must be wicked, evil people who can’t really be a real Christian like me. I know, I know, I’m not perfect. But I tend to judge myself based on intentions and not on actions, while I judge others based on actions and not intentions.

I wonder how many people I’ve had discord with began to think my name must not be written in the book of life? I don’t want that. Which means I need to offer my brothers and sisters the same courtesy. Perhaps if I can remember that their name is also written in the book of life, I will learn to work harder at resolving the discord. After all, we are both in the Lord. We ought to be able to come to some harmony within Him.

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC

PS. What struck you in today’s reading? Click here to add your input.

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*Today’s illustration was generated by the creative tool at Wordle.net. You can find all my wordles here.

Today’s reading is Acts 13:1-14:28.

“…strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22).

Paul didn’t say tribulations come with the kingdom of God. He didn’t say tribulations happen to coincide with entering the kingdom of God. He actually said we enter the kingdom of God through tribulations. In other words, if there are no tribulations we won’t get into the kingdom of God.

Too often, I have the mindset that since I’m entering the kingdom, I shouldn’t have tribulations. Why isn’t God taking better care of me? Then I read this and learn that God actually knows better. In some way, the tribulations prepare me for the kingdom and usher me into it. If God took my tribulations away, then I wouldn’t enter the kingdom.

This is what Paul says in Romans 5:3-5. Suffering produces endurance. Endurance produces character. Character produces hope. Hope doesn’t put us to shame. But without suffering and tribulation, there is no endurance, no character, no hope.

Thank you, God, for not giving me everything I want, but instead giving me what I need.

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC

PS. What struck you in today’s reading?