Verse: Philippians 1:12-14
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
Devotion
This is so beautiful to me, and also seems somewhat far removed from the world I live in, where I am not in danger for being chained or imprisoned because of my faith. But it reminds me of something I read about Martin Luther King, Jr. I’m can’t remember where I read it, but I recall someone talking about what he had taught fellow protesters during the civil rights movement, and it struck me as so powerful in the same way. That he had taught them how to take a punch. To be beaten and not respond, to remain peaceful and still protest. How they could truly advance their cause in this way. It was horrifying to me to think of it in those terms, and yet, it made systemic racism real to me in a new way. And it reminds me of what Paul is saying here. Not that there was no consequence, but that the very real and difficult consequences of his faith also served to further the gospel. That he could face pain and punishment, knowing that it was a powerful witness, and that it actually empowered others when it was meant to intimidate.
I’m struggling to make a direct connection still to my own life, but it’s not terribly far fetched to think that in this day and age, I could be held in contempt for the things that I believe. And as a people pleaser, that is a bit scary. I do want to be approved of and liked. And that can be intimidating. Especially when I want to be loving to others, but could easily be told that I am hateful for holding to particular convictions. I would hate that. But I need to be true to the scripture and to the leading of the Holy Spirit when it comes to situations where I may be called to speak out. That’s not to say that every situation in which I disagree with someone’s ideas is a time for speaking out. Sometimes it’s best to listen and learn about another perspective. But there are times when you must speak out, when you are asked about your beliefs, and those can be hard to handle. I think those times are best prepared for by having regular time with the Lord and by reading scripture, so that the words that come to mind are good, and the spirit in which we approach other people is correct and led by the Spirit of the living God.
Prayer
Lord, I am often fearful, and can allow the fear to shut down my mind. Keep me awake to your Spirit and to what I know to be true. Give me opportunities to advance your kingdom!
Author: Emily Costa
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