In our scripture readings for the seventh and final Sunday of Easter, Paul finishes off his letter to his friends in Philippi. And he gives them....and US....three themes to consider. Imitate Paul. In focussing on the pure and avoiding the shameful. In remaining vigilant and striving, right to the finish line. And most emphatically, in rejoicing in the Lord.....
There is a ritual that happens at this time of year in the National Hockey League, and at other times in the other major sports leagues. Coaches are evaluated by management, to see if they have “lost the dressing room.” Are the players still listening to the coach's instructions? Do the players still believe they can win games based on the coach's system of play? Is the repetition of the coach's message a source of steadfastness for the team, or a source of irritation? Since the coach can't lead the team by example on the ice, if nothing the coach SAYS can make a difference, it's time for that coaching carousel to start its spin....
As mentioned last Sunday, Paul's letter to the Philippians was written in a Roman prison. But unlike Paul's letter to the Romans, which was written BEFORE Paul ever visited Rome, Philippians was written after Paul had personally established the church there. The people who read this letter FIRST, KNEW Paul – knew his dedication, knew his courage, knew his faith in Jesus. They knew he was out there, in the game, imprisoned for the sake of Christ, taking advantage of every opportunity to present the gospel to a new group of people. They knew if they imitated his life, they would be following his instructions, and vice versa.
And in this letter, Paul invites the Philippians to imitate him in three areas. First, he invites them to watch over their minds, and to keep their minds on heavenly things. Do not live as enemies of the cross of Christ, with the belly as your god, and glorying in shame. Instead, live as citizens of heaven, concentrating always on what is true and honourable, just and pure, pleasing, commendable, and excellent.
Second, Paul invites them to consider their salvation as a work in progress, rather than a fait accompli. Do not lose focus on Christ, but instead, keep Christ as your highest value in life, and continue to strain forward in the process of sanctification. At the very least, hold fast to what you have already attained in this area.
And third, Paul invites the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord. Spend the time you are stuck in prison, belting out hymns! Do not be anxious about anything, but instead, receive the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding. And strive to be content with whatever you have.
So where are our minds today? I have to admit my mind spends a lot of time focussing on a 3 inch by 5 inch black box in front of my face. And the ratio of AI slop, politics, and sports that I see compared to true, pure, commendable and excellent, is higher than I would like to admit. It is made addictive on purpose, so that great energy must be expended to break away from it. And its source is a society that is pushing new extremes for glorying in shame.
Where is our drive today? I have to admit that I was lazy in not restarting Wednesday night bible study after Lent, and I also have to admit that nobody asked about it. We have so many things that we feel are required of us, and so many things that we feel we need for ourselves. And what can slide most easily is those things we do to remain close to Jesus – worship, prayer, Word. But that reveals where Jesus sits in the hierarchy of our life, and it's not the top!
Where is our joy today? A survey last month found that Albertans were the Canadians least satisfied with their lives, with only 38% ranking their satisfaction 8 or more out of 10. Yes, the global price of oil, cattle, and canola are important to us. Yes, the debate between red flag and blue flag is important to us. Yes, the recent losses in our community have been heavy. But these circumstances are all blips compared to the big picture – the picture of eternal life with God. If our joy can be stolen by these temporary setbacks, we're not taking eternity seriously.