Labor and Fruitfulness

As promised, the second installment of the book of Philippians. Chapter 1:12-30. Here we see Paul reporting news of his imprisonment, his hope for the gospel to be communicated and his feelings about some of the people preaching. This is also the section of Philippians were Paul tells them 'to live is Christ, and to die is gain'. This seems to be a difficult issue to Paul. He longs to be with Christ and yet his pastoral duties to the church at Philippi continue to fill his mind. Paul goes on to say, 'if I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me'.

It is this labor I am particularly interested in, not just because Paul did continue to live, but because of his ongoing theme attached to it of fruitfulness. He was so certain his labor would be fruitful, he considered it the alternative to dying and being with Christ. I am not sure I always think my labor is fruitful. At the same time I know the answer isn't to try to produce fruit. Fruit is the natural manifestation of Christ in us. Paul's response of certainty no doubt, came from his having Christ in him, and the assurances and promises this relationship bring with it. Therefore, it doesn't surprise me when Paul encourages the Philippian believers to, 'let [their] manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ'. To let the way they live, the 'manner', be evidence of the gospel transforming and renewing their lives at all times. Whether the way they live is out in the open or not. There is no concern for the private and the public, because there should be no difference. This manner should be a sign of the salvation they have is Christ. It should be this way with us. In a world were the manner of the believer reflects the lives of the pagan and not the God who is in us. Let the Spirit develop in us courage for times of ease and of suffering to stand up for the gospel. To stand next to our brothers and sisters in the faith and be the body of Christ in the face of our opponents and circumstance. Let us engage the conflict and not shy away from evil, in our own bodies, in the body of Christ and in the world.