A passage I?ve often returned to for leadership insight is Philippians 2:19-30. Here are a few recent reflections:
I?ve often reflected on Philippians 2:19-30 for spiritual leadership insight. Recently, I was drawn to a phrase Paul uses often in his writings: ?in the Lord.? Here are a few scribbles from my recent reflections:
Vs. 19, ?I hope in the Lord Jesus to?? What Paul hopes to do with hope in the Lord Jesus is to send Timothy along to the Philippian church to get an update from them?to hear how they are. There is a sense of being in communion with the Lord when we are engaging another.
Vs. 24, ?And I am confident in the Lord that?? Paul wants to come visit them personally, and expresses confidence that the Lord will open such an opportunity to him.
Vs. 29, ?Welcome [Epaphroditus] in the Lord with great joy?? There is a heart hospitality we feel with others with whom we share communion with Jesus in common. Because we are consciously aware of Jesus in us and Jesus in the other, we share in common His love and vitality.
Paul mentions Epaphroditus risking his life. For what reason does he do this? Was it some sort of ministry ego trip? Was he trying to make a name for himself in the Christian community? No. He risked his life by coming to Paul?s aid even in the midst of personal illness, even to the edge of death. He risked his life for the sake of his love in Christ for Paul, a brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier. What a remarkable person he must have been.
Reflection: How is Jesus inviting you to live your life and conduct your work ?in Him? today?
