Although Linda and I have not been out among many people, those we have encountered share feelings of detachment. We are apart from family and friends. We are unable to take part in activities that we enjoy and that give our lives meaning. Who would have known, when we turned the calendar in January, that so many of the events we look forward to, would be deferred? Besides the pandemic, we are experiencing social unrest, over racial injustice, and all this in an election year.
In our church lives, school lives, our work lives, our recreation lives, in nearly every way, things are not as they should be. For this reason, we are likely to turn on each other under the stress, and be divided rather than united; to look for someone to blame whenever things go wrong, in this extraordinary time. But this does not reflect the grace of the Gospel of Jesus.
Paul’s letter to the Christians in Philippi can offer encouragement for such a time as this. “Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ…stand firm in the Spirit, striving side by side, with one mind, for the faith of the gospel.” Phil 1:27.
The faith that the Spirit had planted in the hearts and minds of the Philippian Christians was a strong trust, in Jesus, as both Lord and Savior. And in difficult times, Paul directs their attention to the words and actions of Jesus.
In the second chapter Paul will describe the life of a servant. And say that Jesus was of the mind of a servant. In challenging times, what can unite us as one, is looking around and asking: “Where is service needed?” Without a doubt, in such times as these there are many people who must rely on others for their basic needs. Maybe a phone call to say that you are thinking of someone, and asking if they need any help, (something that can be done without leaving the house), will strengthen a hurting community. Maybe a card, sent to let someone know you care, is a way you can share the Gospel with a brother or sister.
And, may we always join in praying that the Spirit of Jesus unite our hearts and minds with his. May we follow the Spirit into service, and a life worthy of the Gospel. And may we live in hope of the day that we can once again, literally, “strive side by side” in following our Jesus in the way of a servant.
The Rev. Robert Bjornstad, Emeritus
9/10/2020