I'm not Perfect - How About You??

Acts 16:11-15; Philippians 2:5-11; Philippians 4:1-3

Acts is the history of the early church, and at times, it reads like an adventure story.  Peter and John escape from prison with the help of angels.....Paul is converted in dramatic fashion on the road to Damascus.....the early church sells their possessions and has everything in common - no one suffers from material need....and hundreds and thousands of people, gentiles and Jews alike, come to faith.

The church at Philippi is a great example of how God uses imperfect people to advance his work.  Paul and Timothy and their companions meet Lydia in Philippi, an important colony in northern Rome.  She is drawn to the Lord, and she and her household are baptized.  The Philippian church is birthed.  You can read the story in Acts 16:11-15.

Fast forward a dozen or so years.  Paul is in prison, likely in Rome.  He writes to his dear friends in Philippi, and that letter becomes what we know as the book of Philippians.  This body of believers is dear to Paul, and he encourages them to continue to walk in faith.  Many scholars consider Philippians 2:5-11 to be an early hymn of the church, as Paul reminds the Philippians to have the same attitude as Christ Jesus.  Read these words, and let them soak in.

Let's take a closer look at Philippians 4:1-3  It sounds like two members of the church, Euodia and Syntche, are not getting along.  Paul is asking the body of Christ to help the heal this division.  In fact, he says "I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord."    t These women have worked alongside Paul, and it pains him that they are arguing.

Paul calls them by name.  Sometimes I think it is easy to forget that the people we read about in the Bible were real people.  They were far from perfect, and yet God used them to advance his kingdom.  And Paul is encouraging the church to confront them in love - to iron out their differences - so that God's work can continue.

Is there anyone you need to forgive?  Is there anyone at church that, for some reason, rubs you the wrong way?  Ask God to give you his eyes and ears and recognize the value and worth of that person, especially as a fellow worker, whose name is in the book of life (Philippians 4:3).

What an opportunity we have to share the Good News!  What a privilege and a blessing.  I'm glad that some day I will get to meet Euodia and Syntche, and I pray that I will come alongside my fellow believers with love and humility.