Based on Philippians 4:1-20 (New King James Version)
“Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christwho strengthens me. Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
In today’s passage, and for the most part, throughout the Bible, there is the constant theme, that our faith in God should be lived, as opposed to just preached and shared. The Gospel has absolutely no strength or bearing on personal level unless it is lived, and lived daily. The daily part is even more critical because a lot can happen in a day; a lot of decisions can take place. Although there may be some thought involved with some decisions, the election happens simultaneously. And of course, one decision leads to another decision, to another decision, and so on. But, everyone can remain in or change their mind until right before the decision is made.
Decision is critical because it is ultimately the initiation of action. It is where something changes state. Scientifically speaking, this is the big difference between potential energy and kinetic energy; potential energy being the energy possessed by a body by virtue of its position or state (not in action), and kinetic energy is energy possessed by a body by virtue of its movement (in action). So the point of decision would be exactly when something changes from potential to kinetic, or from a thought to an action. Our lives go through this process quite often. From what we have for breakfast, to what we wear, to what route we take to work, to where we choose to live, to choosing to give or not to give, to choosing to believe in Christ and living a life that brings glory to God, or choosing to believe in Christ and not making Biblically-based decisions. I think you understand the point.
If you look at it from a philosophical point of view, the power of decision puts each person in a god-like position (within their own life, of course) where it can impact others for better or for worse. So let’s take a look at our “kingdom”. If we compare ourselves to each other, many might think that they have quite the kingdom because of their status, wealth, influence, etc. They think they impact many lives with their decisions, and quite frankly, they can. For instance, the president of the United States affects millions of people and most countries in the world, in one way or another. That’s significant. But when you think about it, that is also quite a lot of responsibility. A stroke of his pen can help or hurt an entire nation, and send off ripples throughout the world. So here lays the thought of responsibility and consequences. Some people should be fearful of the decisions they make, for the sake of personal liability and affecting the people that surround them.
But one of the greatest factors in all things, and in particular, in making Godly decisions, is fear. The irony is that people are less fearful of making decisions that are driven by sin and carnality than doing something else. For some reason, Godly decisions inspire more fear. Why is that? The answer lies in ultimately what drives a person; what the intention of their heart is. But reality should teach us, especially those of us that say that believe in God and Jesus Christ, that we should be more fearful of what God’s opinion is (the One that is greater than anything, and eternal) than what people or the current and temporal existence is. For it says: “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28. Sometimes, many believers misinterpret God’s love, mercy and patience. God is good, but there is a problem with not valuing and respecting that.
So, if you believe that God is who He really is, then you should have no problem doing those things that really please Him. For it is also written: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7. When it comes to good things, are you a person of action, or a person of words and good thoughts only? Lord bless! John