17 December Philippians 4:1-7
Always consider the health of the church.
Like all human institutions, the church – that is, the community of people who follow the way of love as seen in Jesus – is anything but perfect. When people take opposing positions, often from the sincerest of motives, the resulting rancour and bitterness can become a running sore that poisons the entire community.
Euodia and Syntyche, two women who were co-workers with Paul in the infant church at Philippi, were at the centre of a quarrel – we are not told what about – which, if left unresolved, could seriously damage the health of the church. Taking sides would only have made the problem worse, so Paul simply tells them to reconcile and refocus on their goal, which is nothing less than the transformation that comes through becoming one with Christ.
As he writes in the previous chapter, ‘Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you.’
In any disagreement, however strong our opinions, before sides become irredeemably entrenched, it is advisable to step back and, through humble prayer, seek what God is saying to us – in the words of our Advent theme, to hush the noise of self to hear the Angel’s song of love.
Keith Paver
In humility we pray that, in all situations, we may open our minds to discern the thoughts of Jesus, so that every action we take or word we speak will be informed and guided by his love and grace. In the peace of the infinite and ever-loving God, and through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Amen.
