Re:Verse passage – Philippians 3:17-21 (day five)
“For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ,” Every day we brush up against people who (from their actions and language) we know are not believers. We feel the darkness of culture in their minds and hearts. We sense their animosity towards God and holy things. Our responses and reactions in those moments can be very telling. Anger. Avoidance. Apathy. Paul’s response is amazing. Honesty. Vulnerability. Compassion. Kindness. Paul never compromises the truth. Paul never loses hope for the power and sovereignty of God to change a human heart. Paul continues his work and ministry through tears and tension. What a balance! What a deep confidence in God’s promises and provision.
Let’s weep and continue to worship. Let’s cry and be filled with compassion. Let’s partner sadness and sorrow with service. Let’s follow Paul’s example.
Scott, thank you for these words of ‘balance’ this morning. Sometimes the crushing cultural pressure seems so oppressive and suffocating . I am praying this morning that any tears shed today will be out of worship and not frustration, and any sadness and sorrow will redirect my eyes straight onto Jesus.