October 9th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Philippians 4:1-9
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.
 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

Reflection
It's hard to stand firm in this world sometimes. Especially when you are standing up for what is honorable, just, pure, pleasing and commendable. Sin overtakes the world and ourselves and we fall to the temptation to separate from one another and from Jesus. And when we separate, especially from God we will fall.

We fall into the trap of the world. We fall into hatred for another person or group. We fall into greed and take advantage of one another. We fall into the sin and evil of murder and physical harm to one another. We fall into sin.

In this passage, Paul urges all Christians but especially here directed towards the Philippians, that they not fall but stand strong with one another. In the unity of being in concert with those who love Jesus, we rejoice in what we have in common and celebrate our differences as gifts from God. No, we don't always agree on everything, but on those issues we can talk in a different way to one another. Rather than argue, we listen and try to understand in love and then move forward in action to unify under Jesus Christ.

In this we gain the peace of God. This is the peace that... "surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Let's work towards keeping our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Let's live in the joy of our unity rather than the angst of our differences.

Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbrNFxiHuYg

Prayer
Lord, may I keep you and you alone as the main thing in my life. I look to you and your way and your teaching. Keep my mind and heart and soul with Christ Jesus that I may live in unity under Jesus with all you give to me... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen