Pastor's Corner

“The Will of God”

Philippians 4:1-8  ^NRS Philippians 4:1 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.  ² I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.  ³ 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.  ⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.  ⁵ Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.  ⁶ Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

            The will of God is something people struggle with no matter which way they step in life. Pastors, teachers, businessmen, doctors, mail deliverers, janitors, children, and I would argue even Jesus (Luke 22:42). I guess because sometimes God’s will doesn’t work out to serve our own agenda. According to one church tradition, Simon Peter was forced to watch his wife die before they crucified him upside down.

            But I will tell you what I know and fully understand about the will of God, and I can say it one word: reconciliation. It’s not rocket science. It’s not up for debate. Furthermore, it’s the one key to pleasing God. Paul understands that and comments it on this in the closing chapter of this short little book – which is also my favorite. God’s will is that reconciliation take place with all who claim his Son’s name as theirs (written in the book of life). In fact, when Jesus struggled with the will of God in the Garden of Gethsemane, he knew that His death would serve as a point of reconciliation between countless numbers of people whose life is simply one argument after another with God.

            So if God’s will is reconciliation and if God has done his part by giving his Son; and Jesus has done His part by submitting to the cross in obedience to the Father. What is the Holy Spirit moving you to do? Is there someone you hold a grudge against? Is there someone who holds a grudge against you? Is there someone you know hanging onto a grudge – nursing it like a child? Paul has some advice for you – for us all.

            Rejoice. A happy smile goes a long way to reconciling (v. 4). Be Gentle. When people aren’t afraid to approach you, reconciliation can come quickly and time is not wasted (v. 5). Pray. Prayer changes people; prayer changes circumstances; prayer changes you (v. 6, 7). But let’s back up for a minute and put it the way our parents or grandparents put it: “God is watching you!” Paul says, “God is near”. Do you feel it? Well if you don’t, consider this last verse I leave you with. It always puts me near God.

Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, 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.”

Is it possible that reconciliation can start with praise and not criticism? Name me a person and a problem; and I promise you I will find something good to say about them – even if it is just the fact that God loved them enough to send his Son to a cross.

Pastor Clayton, rev.clayton@gmail.com