Author: Scott Heitshusen (Page 2 of 115)

It is quite amazing to listen to Christians who know so many things through Scripture and faith, but their vocabulary, conversations, and daily living belie a different belief system that causes struggle.

Case in point: So many times it is difficult to see a difference in the way a Christian and non-Christian speaks of worry or anxiety. Both seem to vocalize things the same way.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7

In a similar vein, Christians seem to struggle with rejoicing always and giving thanks in all circumstances.

And how many times do we, as Christians, struggle with contentment in the same way as unbelievers?

It’s really quite shameful. It’s as if we don’t really know the Scriptures (or have trouble believing them).

This, even though, we know what God says in passages like today’s Scriptures (Philippians 4:4-13), and we have seen Him be faithful throughout our lives and all of history!

God’s track record is perfect!

And yet, we doubt. And yet, we do not rejoice. And yet, we are anxious. And yet, we are not content.

Before we have kids, Jen and I drive down to the Florida keys for a couple of days. People will tell you that being there (and certainly living there) is a different state of mind.

Indeed it is!

Worries and cares seem to drift away. In Key West, people stop and gather every evening to watch the amazing sunset. The beauty of God’s creation seems to melt away all other concerns for a bit.

I wonder, what is – or should be – the “state of mind” for the Christian?

When I look at today’s reading, I wonder.

It’s not like there are no cares or concerns for the Christian. After all, we still live in this world with all it’s fallen nature that affects us, too. St. Paul in our text even says that he knows “how to be brought low, and…how to abound” (Philippians 4:12).

But he also share that he has “learned the secret of facing” the ups and downs – Jesus Christ, who strengthens him!

Jesus is our strength and solution as well. Do we have the state of mind – the faith – to trust Him completely and in all circumstances? Do we look to Him and know He has, is, and will provide all our needs, so there is only reason for rejoicing and none for worry? Can we look to the Son-set and let our cares melt away because nothing matters but Him?

Christ is the One who strengthens you and me. Through faith in Him we have all we need – in this life and the one to come. There is nothing that is going on in your life or mine that He has not already answered, before the issue was even on our mind.

That is reason to “rejoice always” (Philippians 4:4)!

Thank You, Lord!

“Gracious and providential Lord; thank You for providing all we need every day, so that whether we are in want or abundance we look to You, trust You, and rejoice in You in everything. Grant us through Your Spirit to have a “state of mind” to keep this state in all circumstances, because You are faithful – always! In Jesus’ name, amen!”

Scripture

• Philippians 3:4b-14
• Psalm 80:7-19 (responsory)

It is tough to look at the giants of faith in Scripture and compare ourselves to them, even though nearly all of them had giant foibles and issues. They still tower over us, or at least they do to me. Paul is probably one of the pinnacle examples. In today’s reading, he even gives his curriculum vitae, if you will: his qualifications as a Jew, a scholar, a Pharisee, a persecutor; someone righteous and blameless under the law. He really did seem to have it all. And then he goes on to say that he knows he is not perfect in achieving the goals of Christian living.

My goodness, if Paul says that, what possible chance is there for any of us?!

Whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. 

Philippians 3:7-8

Paul counts all of his qualifications and good deeds – everything that set him apart and above – as loss. He wants to forget those things and strain forward for what lies ahead, “pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

“The upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

That is an amazing phrase. God calls us upward, in our reflection, our action, our faith, and our walk. Where we are isn’t sufficient for the Christian. The Christian always wants and looks for more, because God has called him to it. This is not a matter of salvation, but a matter of one who is already saved.

Paul counts all of his previous accomplishments and qualifications as useless and loss, because he has a better call, an upward call, one based not on himself but on Christ, who has done all for him and now bids him respond joyfully and willingly. Paul knew that what he had before was nothing compared to Jesus. Now that he has Jesus, he wants to do everything for Him and everything to reflect Him. Christ is what it’s all about, and living for Him is what really matters, so that others can see, receive, and be saved in Christ too.

We try to compare ourselves to others, and it’s a useless task. Comparing our works to Christ’s is likewise useless. But if we see in Christ that we have everything through faith, then all we do becomes a useful, productive, and joyful task.

That is our upward call.

May we find ways to strive and strain forward in that upward call in Christ Jesus, as a grateful response to His salvation for us.

“Gracious Lord, we count all that we are and all that we have done as loss when compared to what Christ has done for us on the cross and through the empty tomb. Thank You that through Your Son and our Savior we have been given everything that matters, and that You have given us an upward call to do things that matter in faith and to touch others with that same saving gospel. Grant that we do it joyfully and wholeheartedly. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Scripture

• Philippians 3:4b-14
• Psalm 80:7-19 (responsory)