A tribute ...

“I thank my God every time I remember you.”  Philippians 1:3

Imagine Paul, a man who devoted his Christian life to building up the church in the truth of the gospel.  Hear his heart for the Philippians with whom he has labored, shoulder-to-shoulder, as he writes now from afar: “... I always pray with joy because of the partnership in the gospel from the first day until now ...”  Philippians 1:3-5

Imagine Paul, who navigated his churches through dangers by pointing ever to Jesus and nurturing them to greater maturity in him.  See his focus as he finishes his lap and, looking ahead, passes off the baton to those who continue in the race: “... he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 1:6

Imagine Paul, who treasured knowledge not as merely an end in itself, but as the path that leads through the vineyards of fruitful ministry.  Taste his longing for the wellbeing of those who continue to toil in the fields: “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God.”  Philippians 1:9-11

Imagine Paul, who understood that Christ is his life (an infinitely higher status than merely “the most important thing” in one’s life).  Smell the victory he proclaims, a victory already ours in Christ Jesus: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”  Philippians 1:21

Imagine Paul, who strove constantly for and safeguarded unity in the church.  Feel his passion as he pleads for continued oneness in the church: “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then ... I will know that you stand firm as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.”  Philippians 1:27-28

At the end of this month, Pastor Paul Ulring completes his 40 years of public ministry, the majority of it at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church.  Like his namesake before him, Pastor Paul has cared for his flock, pointing always and only to Jesus, who himself is our life.  He has nurtured unity by recognizing distractions for what they are and steering us clear of them and always to Jesus.  He has constantly reminded us of Jesus’ love for us.  And like the apostle before him, Pastor Paul leaves his position with a full heart for those with whom he has toiled in this world on behalf of the truth of the gospel. 

So, Pastor Paul ... “For all you do, this Blog’s for you.”