Tag: Philippians

IN, Not FOR

Philippians 2:15 says, “Do everything without complaining” and verse 17 adds, “I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy.”

We are called to be joyful in all circumstances. But we are a fickle people and too often we turn into the freed Israelites in the desert — whining constantly. Finding things to grumble and complain about. Yeah we’re free, but the food is terrible! That’s why a two-week trip took 40 years! I’m reminded of this classic episode of The Ren & Stimpy Show entitled “Stimpy’s Invention”. In this particular episode Stimpy — the loveable simpleton — creates a ‘happy helmet’ that forces his pal Ren — the irritable schemer — to always be happy. Well, as the episode unfolds Ren manages to eventually destroy and free himself from the helmet and is boiling with rage. Then, from out of nowhere, he breaks out into a beaming smile and declares that he LOVES being angry and thanks his pal Stimpy for show him that. This outrageous scenario (like most comedy) is especially hilarious because it shines a mirror on us…

WE love being angry.

It is our default position. In fact, if you walked past and angry person and a deliriously happy person would be more likely to give the happy one a side-eye ‘what’s wrong with HIM’ look! But we should live lives marked by love. Lives marked by joy. Lives that demonstrate the hope that is within us. Lives which demonstrate that hope SO loudly that it causes people to ask us ‘why’. Do we do that?

Moreover, what do we do when our situation is trying or difficult or exhausting or overwhelming? How do we be joyful for that?? But here’s the thing; I don’t think we need to be joyful FOR all circumstances, we need to be joyful IN all circumstances. The situation we find ourselves in might be terrible, even unbearable. But our joy is in our hope and our hope is not in this world. Our hope is in Jesus. The Jesus who has overcome the world. The Jesus who is causing all things to work together for the good of those who love Him.

Sometimes those valleys are the consequences of sin’s corruption in a fallen world. Sometimes the valleys are caused by poor choices we’ve made. Sometimes the valleys are God showing us something we need to learn. But no matter WHY we are there, it’s important to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. We WILL emerge from the valley eventually. Either here on earth, or on the other side in glory. And THAT is what we are joyful for. The eternal promise.

That’s why we can be joyful IN all circumstances, even if we are not joyful FOR all circumstances.

Status Update

The book of Philemon is more than just a short letter—it’s a window into the radical redefinition of relationships that the Gospel brings. Onesimus, once a slave and a fugitive, is now described as a “beloved brother” in Christ. Imagine how shocking this must have been in a world that defined people by their status, wealth, or social position.

Paul’s appeal to Philemon isn’t grounded in authority or obligation but in love. He invites Philemon to see Onesimus not through the lens of societal hierarchy but through the eyes of Christ. This status update—from slave to brother—demonstrates the transformative power of the Gospel, which dismantles human divisions and unites us as one family in Christ.

But the letter doesn’t stop there. Paul steps in as an intercessor, offering to absorb any debt Onesimus owes. This act mirrors Christ’s work on the cross, taking our sins upon Himself and restoring our relationship with God. It’s a reminder of the grace we’ve been given and a call to extend that same grace to others.

So, how does this apply to us today?

We live in a world that constantly categorizes people: by their job, income, political views, or past mistakes. Like Philemon, we are called to update our perspective. In Christ, no one is “less than.” Are there people you’ve written off because of their past? Relationships you’ve allowed to remain broken? Paul’s letter challenges us to see others as God sees them—worthy of love, forgiveness, and restoration.

Let this be your status update: forgiven, redeemed, and called to reconcile with others.