“Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example.”
– Mark Twain
This section of Philippians teaches us that we need to live lives that others can emulate. More than that, we need to remember that the example that we show the world may be the only evidence they care to see regarding the reality of faith in Jesus Christ. As Christians, we owe the world a reliable example of a well-lived life.
Disorder is more probable than order. Think of it as entropy. Attribute it to the Second Law of Thermodynamics. Whatever mental category you use, disorder is more probable than order and that principle applies to churches as well as physical substances.
Unity in the church is achieved by design. If we don’t think about what we are doing as a body, disorder will be more probable than order. If we are intentional about working together and putting others before ourselves, unity will be the result.
We can learn a lot from Paul’s example as he reconnects with a church that he loves and with which he has a long relationship. Both Paul and the Philippian church are well acquainted with suffering, yet manage to encourage one another.
Law professor John Eidsmoe explains how Jesus uses the law to show “Rich Young” his need for a Savior.
The Rich Young Ruler.mp3 (John Eidsmoe)
Below, you can find John’s bio on the Gospel Martial Arts Union website and a page where you can purchase his books.
Central Reflections 