The First 15

Tuesday September 22, 2020

Scripture

Philippians 2:1-4

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Reflection

It has been granted to the church in Philippi that they believe in Christ and that they suffer for him (1:29). It is a struggle the church shares with Paul. This is a struggle we too share. We are given the gift of faith and the gift of suffering for Christ. These miraculous and unmerited gifts are gifts that keep on giving.

We are not to hoard God’s grace but, instead, encouraged to be God’s gift that keeps on giving. This is the way we are called to be regardless of results and whether or not we’re able to solve any of the world’s problems. We live for Jesus. We also live according to his way. When Mother Theresa accepted the Nobel Peace Prize, she said her community weren’t social workers but “contemplatives in the heart of the world.” She wasn’t an activist or politician nor did she spend much time seeking justice for those in her care on the streets of Calcutta, India. She saw Jesus in the people she cared for. What sustained her decades of ministry was that her work was an act of worship.

Today, who can you value above yourself? Whose interests can you tend to? How will you do it?

Prayer

When you are finished with your time of reflection, close out this time with this prayer.

Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose, through Jesus Christ my Lord. AMEN.