Devotional Thoughts: The Fellowship of Suffering

Am looking at Philippians 1:27-30 this AM.

Whatever happens ...

Probably referring to the uncertainty Paul was going through regarding his imprisonment. He might get released. He might not. He might get executed. He might not.

I suppose also, since at that time, Christianity was a religion of a minority of people, there may well have been pressures upon the church community to abandon their faith. When Paul was with them in Acts 16:11-40 he faced opposition. It is likely that continued even after he left.

... conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.

Paul's desire for them is unity. As the saying goes, a house divided cannot stand. When we are alone it is harder to stand firm in the faith. When we are alone it is easy to get discouraged.

The visitation of the sick is an important service the church can provide for people. It is when we are sick and alone that discouragement in the faith can come upon us. Christians have always been at the forefront of building hospitals. In third world countries often times the only hospital around is the missionary hospital.

Christians are often the ones who build orphanages. Christians stand with those who have been abandoned. That is Christianity at its best.

It is the moral imperative of the Christian faith to minister to people. Indeed, Christians may have their treasure in heaven and their eyes upon Jesus but that same faith compels us to serve in the here and now.

Imagine a world view that says the material world is evil and the spirit is all that matters?

For them, ending the suffering is liberation.

In a world view of reincarnation, the consequence is the same: one wants to escape this incarnation in the hopes of a better one in the next go around. Though, I suppose some in the Eastern belief systems will say you have to live a good life now to have a better shot in the next go around. Thus, that could be a motivation for ethics and morality.

There is no mistaking that we live in a terribly messed up world. But in Jewish-Christian theology, God desires the restoration of the created (us) and the creation.

This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved - and that by God.

I suppose this could mean that when people who persecute, despise or dismiss Christians and yet those same Christians are standing firm in faith with joy even, those observing may scratch their heads. It is a sign to them they have chosen the wrong path. They may try to repress that thought. Or they can respond to it.

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

Why doesn't God just take us up to heaven the minute we believe in Him?

If He took us right away, we would be spared suffering that Paul mentions.

not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him

The Buddhist says life is suffering. He would be right!

In Buddhist thinking, suffering is to be cured by the cessation of desire and a better life in the next incarnation. If there are any Buddhists reading this blog, please let me know if I have fairly characterized your views. 8-)

In Christianity, suffering can be redemptive. Jesus suffering is redemptive. In this passage, Paul recognizes that suffering is part of our growth in faith.

If that is so, then should suffering be alleviated?

Yes, when possible. Redemption and restoration to God is what Christianity is about. Thus, suffering can be part of our path to God and in those circumstances we prayerfully ask for strengthen to endure. But alleviation of suffering can also be a way for people to find God and to grow in Christ-likeness.

Lord, life can be hard. But you are good. Whether it is time to endure suffering or to seek alleviation of suffering, help me to have an eye on being more like you. Help me to align my thoughts with your ways. Help me to stand firm with others in the times of their difficulties. In all cases may your name be honored. Amen.