Being There - 20 October 2009

.....But most days, because of what you are going through, I am sure that it's better for me to stick it out here.  So I plan to be around awhile, companion to you as your growth and joy in this life of trusting God continues.  You can start looking forward to a great reunion when I come visit you again.  We'll be praising Christ, enjoying each other.

Meanwhile, live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ.  Let nothing in your conduct hang on whether I come or not. Your conduct must be the same whether I show up to see things for myself or hear of it from a distance.  Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people's trust in the Message, the good news, not flinching or dodging in the slightest before the opposition.  Your courage and unity will show them what they're up against: defeat for them, victory for you--and both because of God.  There's far more to this life than trusting in Christ. There's also suffering for him.  And the suffering is as much a gift as the trusting.  You're involved in the same kind of struggle you saw me go through, on which you are now getting an updated report in this letter.

Philippians 1:24-30 [The Message]

‘I know what you are going through’, says Paul, ‘and I want to be there with you.’ This is the second way that we can gain encouragement.  Not only does my friend have confidence in me – and likes me enough to say so – but this friend wants to be a companion in the growth and joy of my Christian life.

Paul writes that the joy of seeing people coming to faith is like heaven on earth, so he finds it hard to decide whether it is better to be with Christ in heaven, or to stick it out here on earth.  But the knowledge of what his beloved Philippians are going through makes him want to be companion in their suffering.  ‘Be encouraged’, Paul tells them, ‘you have a companion.’  That’s a good friend to have!

If today you feel you don’t have a friend like Paul then be a friend to a Christian brother or sister. Talk to them like that!  They will feel so encouraged – and you will too as you travel together. For, as Paul goes on to say, “There's far more to this life than trusting in Christ.  There's also suffering for him.”  Paul knew that of course: he was in jail after all.  But he knew he had companions who were with him in that suffering, and he knew Jesus was with them and they could praise Christ together.