Today's Inspiration: Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians church to rejoice always and let their gentleness be known to all men as the Lord is at hand. Philippians 4:3-4 He implored them to remember to stand fast in one spirit with one mind striving together for the faith of the Gospel and let their conduct be worthy of the Gospel of Christ. Philippians 1:27. Those who serve Christ must be of the same mind in caring for the things above and not only the things of Earth and with the same hope eagerly waiting for the second coming of Christ.
As citizens of His kingdom, we are not to fall out with each other or it will be a disgrace to the church and the name of God. Internal strife in church often impairs the church's witness in the community and destroys the joy and peace in the church. Spiritual stability of the church depends on mutual love, harmony and peace between believers.
The possible things that can cause strife is pride in self, lack of Christian love, losing sight of heaven and forgetting the purpose and goal of Christians to the world. Instead when they serve the Lord they must serve in love and humility like Timothy and Epaphroditus who followed the example of Christ in serving God faithfully and passionately.
The reason why this epistle was written was because of dispute of two ladies Euodia and Syntyche and this letter reminds them to be of the same mind in the Lord. A kingdom divided cannot stand so Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians church workers to help them with special mention to emulate Timothy and Epaphroditus who serve Christ in faithfulness, love and humility. Philippians 4:2-3. With humility comes wisdom. Strife caused restlessness of mind that drives one to be anxious. Every strife must be brought before the Lord in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving so that God's peace can guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. V6-7. God be praised.
Abba Father, let no delinquent words comes out of our mouth but only words of edification so that we will not get into unresolved conflicts with each other because strife causes us to lose much of its authority in the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.