What is it that enables Jesus' followers to live in a world marred by chaos, confusion and conflict? Writing from a prison cell, the apostle Paul encourages Jesus' followers in Philippi to live a life with the “Peace of God” in full purview. The conflict between two sisters (Euodia and Syntyche), the continual presence of troublemakers, and the potential for misfortune to befall the congregants presents an occasion for Paul to remind Jesus' followers to embrace the “mind of Christ” (2:5) and to bask in the peace of God that surpasses all understanding (4:7). Whether it is our relationship with one another or our interactions with those in our community, we desire to live as ones blessed by the Peace of God and as ones seeking to spread the Peace of God.
Most of us are great at talking theory and theology. We know the buzzwords and jargon that make us sound like we get it. But the harsh truth that Paul lays before us is that theory and practice are far from interchangeable and are most definitely not equal.
The Way of Jesus as lived out in the life of a disciple is not merely a set of beliefs to verbally affirm. It is a lifelong, daily, excruciatingly taxing commitment to living like Jesus, no matter what the cost.
Our longing for home need not come and go in accordance with the stuff that goes on in this world. Our longing for home is the embrace of our true identity and our true citizenship. It is with that faithful embrace that we are able to leave behind what we used to be and to take on what we are meant to be.
To be a light in the darkness is an overwhelming task, so Paul encourages us to persevere and to survive as children of light.
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Even though Jesus had full rights as God, he did what was best for us. He became a slave for us. He chose us over choosing to be right. Could it be that Paul is challenging the “combatants” in the struggles in the Christian community to become comrades by giving up their right to be right? Could it be that Paul is challenging those who are gripped with the perceived shame associated with “giving in” to compare their shame with the humiliation of Christ? What would happen if when we disagreed, we chose to be Christ rather than “right”? What if we chose to be Christ rather than being passionate about winning an argument? What if we were in tune with being Christ, rather than getting our way?
When we make room, the Holy Spirit can give us peace that passes all understanding. This peace doesn't erase or negate our confusion, conflict or chaos, but peace becomes the static presence that helps sustain us.
We recognize that our world is marred by confusion, conflict and chaos. What is it about Jesus' followers that allow them to live embroiled in the mess?