Author: Aaron Hufty

Re:Verse passage – Philippians 3:12-16 (day two)

Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. vs. 13-14

Today is an important day. Many have looked to this day for quite some time for release from, or recognition of the current political climate. We have heard words like, unprecedented, critical, crossroads when describing the place this election plays in our national psyche. The end of this day will bring little in terms of reconciliation of the political narrative that we have digested over the last several months and years.

This morning I read an essay by C.S.Lewis written in 1940 titled “The Danger of National Repentance.” One of his assertions is that when some people call for repentance, they are calling for others to course correct, or to align with a differing ideology that is currently trending. Too often, a nations citizens are reaping the consequences of decisions made before they were born, or before they were a part of the conversation. Rarely, if ever, when we call for national repentance have we effectively taken inventory of the part that each of us play in the rhetoric of divisiveness; in our homes, families, work places, and churches. What we see nationally is, too often, a reflection of our own hearts towards our neighbors.

For this, we must repent. We must take the words of Paul as a harbinger of hope. We must forget what is behind, in this case the anger and hurt, and we must press on towards the upward call of God. This morning, with all the possibilities that lie before you, pray that you will move and react as the Holy Spirit calls you. Pray for each other, for your political enemy, for the candidates, and their advisors, and for all who would seek public office. Pray that they would seek God’s will and guidance.

I leave you with the closing words of Lincoln’s first inaugural address.

In your hands, my dissatisfied fellow-countrymen, and not in mine, is the momentous issue of civil war. The Government will not assail you. You can have no conflict without being yourselves the aggressors. You have no oath registered in heaven to destroy the Government, while I shall have the most solemn one to “preserve, protect, and defend it.”

I am loath to close. We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.

Re:Verse passage – Philippians 3:1-11 (day two) 

that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; vs. 10

I recently read an essay by C.S. Lewis called Apologetics. In it he states that we do not believe or follow Christianity because we like it or that it makes us feel good. Rather, we believe it because it is true. Paul speaks in his letter the Colossian church about being buried with Christ through baptism and raised with him through faith. We must fully embrace this reality that Jesus came to die for us, and not only to die, but to suffer. That suffering was our penalty, and it became the path to our salvation. Our own journey may lead to temporary suffering, but as we enter, by faith, into a relationship with Christ we can know his strength. Don’t fear the suffering, look into the face of Jesus and let him love you through it.

Re:Verse passage – Philippians 2:19-30 (day two)

For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare.vs. 20

Ministry can be lonely. Sometimes where God has called you is a true mission field, and you are the only carrier of the Light. You may be in that season right now. Know that you are not alone. What treasure, therefore, it is when you have someone who knows and affirms your call. When someone  can come alongside and encourage your walk there can be such a great boon to your spirit. Don’t overlook those people in your life. When God sends a kindred spirit, rejoice in that blessing. You should also be reminded that you, too, are called to be that for others. Who is your partner in the Gospel?

Re:Verse passage – Philippians 2:12-18 (day two) Do all things without grumbling or disputing; vs. 14

You get what you get, and you don’t throw a fit. I first encountered this phrase when I was observing student teachers several years ago. It doesn’t exactly rhyme, but it sure does the trick for kids…well, mostly. Fast forward to today I have found that my kids are very quick to recite this admonition when their sister is not sharing, but it doesn’t always work well for them in reverse. Let’s face it, our Kingdom assignments aren’t always fun. Sometimes we are called to work with disagreeable people, or in situations that make us uncomfortable. How we face these tasks says more about our heart condition than it does about those we’ve been called to serve. Grumbling is going to impact your witness. Look for opportunities to see God working even in the uncomfortable places. No one would expect you to enjoy conflict or burdensome tasks, but when they see you face them with grace you can bet God is already at work.

Re:Verse passage – Philippians 2:5-11 (day two) Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, vs. 5

Attitude may not be everything as a popular saying goes, but there may be more to it than we realize. How much of what you do each day is framed by your outlook? When facing a crisis how much does your mindset play into how you manage the situation? Re-read vs. 8 and think about how Jesus’ attitude impacted his resolve. Christ chose to face the cross and all that came with it. We are rarely called upon to endure a fraction of that weight, and yet we can still have the attitude of Christ. Can you face that task differently now? Can you look at where God has placed you as an opportunity to make a Kingdom-sized difference? You bet.

Re:Verse passage – Philippians 2:1-4 (day two) Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; vs. 3

It is a recurring trope found throughout scripture; the first shall be last, the greatest shall be the least, to lead you shall follow. It is a picture of God’s economy that runs counter to how most of us think about the world. Ambition, drive, motivation – these are not bad things, but they must be measured up against God’s design for how we interact with others. Our “drive” should include our fellow journeyman. Those walking this path with us. We must consider their role in this Kingdom work as well. It’s not about getting there first, it’s about bringing as many with us as possible. Only through Christ-like humility can we accomplish this, but the good news is He meets us right there.

Re:Verse passage – Philippians 1:27-30 (day two) 

…so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit…vs. 27b

If you are a teacher or a parent you have probably experienced this scenario: You give an assignment or a chore and leave the children/students to their work only to come back into the room before the expected you to arrive only to find them doing anything but the work. Sound familiar? Paul is reminding us that we are to remain steadfast in our call regardless of our perceived audience. It does little good for us to only be about our task when the pastor is watching. You can understand how a child would be motivated by proximity, but we should remember that our work, our call, and service is always to be rendered unto the Lord. We shouldn’t seek a pat on the back, you will get your ‘well done’ later. What task have you been called to today? What are you waiting for? Keep pressing forward.

Re:Verse passage – Philippians 1:20-26 (day two)

Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, vs. 25

Over the past six months I have invoked Revelation 22:20 – Even so, come, Lord Jesus! Perhaps you have too. Why are we experiencing so much turmoil, anger, fear, suffering, and doubt? Wouldn’t it just be better if God just called us all home right now? The Apostle Paul would say yes, and no. There is no doubt to be with Jesus is the ultimate completion of all things, and it is right to long to be there. If, however, he has chosen to tarry then it does not do well to sit around and mope. Paul says that we are to be about progress and joy in the faith. Therefore when Jesus does come back he will find us ready (Matthew 24:36-25:13).

Stay vigilant, dear friends, and with whatever time God grants us let us endeavor to work out our calling with joy.

Re:Verse passage – Philippians 1:12-19 (day two) 

Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, vs. 18

In reading this text again I was reminded how often I allow circumstances to determine my value, my effectiveness, and my outlook. I would venture to say that I am not alone in this. I would like to believe that in whatever situation I can find a way to rise above the circumstances, but I am often deterred by current climate, poor resources, lack of motivation, or a myriad of other reasons why my particular task can’t be accomplished to the degree I had hoped. I need to hang out with Paul more. In that case I will likely find myself in more dire situations that I have ever imagined, but I will also come to understand that it is Jesus who had defined my worth, not my circumstance. This shift in focus in attitude is essential for each of us. Paul isn’t grousing, he’s witnessing. He’s not complaining about things not being fair, he’s looking for ways to share the gospel. Let’s be like Paul.

Re:Verse passage – Philippiand 1:1-11 (day two)

…in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. Vs. 5

Paul’s salutation to the believers at Philippi had some common elements that we see in his other letters, but it was this statement in the fifth verse that struck me today as I re-read it. Paul is not only addressing and greeting the church, but he is reminded of their no nonsense, elbows deep living out of their faith. He may remember how they gave time that they didn’t really have to pack a box of food for a hungry family in their neighborhood. Perhaps it was his memory of how they opened there homes for prayer meetings and area fellowships. He might have been buoyed by remembering their generosity to a mission work even when their giving was more than they could afford. Paul knew the cost of following Christ, and his affirmation to other believers was not lip service. It was genuine gratitude for fellow co-laborers in the work of the Gospel. Who are those people in your life. Send them some encouragement today.