Spiritual Ambiguity

27 Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ,

The Book of Philippians Is a short book with some powerful images for us to consider.  It is a letter from the Apostle Paul to a people who are close to him in friendship and faith.  Paul is in prison as he writes this letter.  Himself unsure of his own fate and seemingly doing some  reflection on what his faith in Jesus means for his present situation and the lives of those he has been called to serve.  And something has prompted him to write to them of his own passion for the truth God spoke and modeled through Jesus.  

 In this one chapter (see below) Paul’s thoughts seem to run in at least three directions.  First he offers his gratefulness for their friendship and support.  However, number one on his mind is that the people remain faithful — steadfast — in their resolve to stay true to what they know that Jesus taught.  We hear this clearly in his use of the word Gospel.  Gospel in this case is not a reference to the first four books of the New Testament.  It refers to the way of life and ways of  thinking that Jesus taught.  Thirdly Paul uses his present situation to inform them about their own situation — the fear of persecution — which is in danger of dividing the community.  His plea is to come together in this unsure time and to support each other instead of fight among themselves.  He make clear that they are blessed to have each other to count on.  Something Paul does not presently experience among strangers who are there for their passive evil actions and non-loving behavior.  

This small chapter is referring to a prevalent human  condition I’ll call spiritual ambiguity.  The place of confidence and hope verses a place of fear.  When we are faced with some kind of danger.  Or, a time when we are faced with the choice between personal needs or wants and something we don’t want.   It is called the ‘urgent concern for self’!  Be it like Paul who is facing execution. Or, one of us dealing with a death sentence from physical disease.  Or, being face to face with an unfriendly gun.  Or like Peter in the courtyard denying that he is one of Jesus’ disciples.  Or, the innocent Jesus facing the Cross!  When we are in any situation where we must protect ourselves, we can identify with this chapter from Philippians.  Because, we are also asked to stay focused on the promises of God. 

8 For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. 9 And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight 10 to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, 11 having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God. 12 I want you to know, beloved, that what has happened to me has actually helped to spread the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to everyone else that my imprisonment is for Christ; 14 and most of the brothers and sisters, having been made confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, dare to speak the word with greater boldness and without fear. 15 Some proclaim Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from goodwill. 16 These proclaim Christ out of love, knowing that I have been put here for the defense of the gospel; 17 the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but intending to increase my suffering in my imprisonment. 18 What does it matter? Just this, that Christ is proclaimed in every way, whether out of false motives or true; and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance. 20 It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in any way, but that by my speaking with all boldness, Christ will be exalted now as always in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. 23 I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; 24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. 25 Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, 26 so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again. 27 Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, 28 and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God's doing. 29 For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well— 30 since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.(Phil. 1:8-30)