September 28-October 4

A Love Letter To The Church
Mike James, PhD
Searcy, Arkansas

I’ve always liked summaries and conclusions – bullet points and short answers seem to fit my personality well. Paul’s key theme of “gentle reassurance” seems to reverberate as if the Philippians were his own family. He is at his best in this tender letter to the church that was his first love in Macedonia, even though he was in Roman bondage at the time. At times, it even sounds like a love letter (“You have a special place in my heart, so it is only natural for me to feel the way I do!” 1:7).

Probably this letter to the “church at Philippi” could have been addressed just as appropriately to the “church at Searcy” or “church at Dallas” or “church at St. Louis” because we all need the same encouragement that Paul gives this group of believers.

In at least one sense, the letter summarizes the Good News, tells us how to tell others, and reminds us how to work on our own problems. In very broad strokes, Chapter 1 tells us of our need and value for Jesus --“Whether I live or die, I always want to be as brave as I am now and bring honor to Christ.” 1:21, and in 24, “Above all else, you must live in a way that brings honor to the good news about Christ.” Chapter 2 describes the supremacy of Christ and the humility we should mimic. Chapter 3 tells us to “rejoice” – but be careful in the world that surrounds us. And the last chapter reminds us that we need to unite behind the banner of Christ.

An amazing attitude and joy permeate the shackled Paul, even as he tackles problems at Philippi that beset practically every group today. “Now make me completely happy! Live in harmony by showing love for each other.” (2:2)

Pride can be a virtue when used to describe characteristics of goodness; but pride can be a peril when it describes a selfish people. Put in Christ-like admonition, he simplifies it to “consider others more important than yourselves. Care about them as much as you care about yourselves and think the same way that Jesus thought.” (2:3-5) Wow! If only the entire world felt that way, we’d eliminate wars, world hunger, and poverty.

Are you ever discouraged because some scorn Jesus and his church? That will change! Obviously, we are to treat all with tender care and patience – the Lord will repay all of us for the reward we deserve. But one day ALL who have rejected Jesus will bow down in his honor, and ALL will openly agree and confess “Jesus Christ is Lord.” (2:11)

Squarely different than my common nature, I’m told to “do everything without grumbling or arguing. Why? The “world” is watching – “you must not do anything they can say is wrong.” (2:15) If we do this, Jesus will be “proud” of us when he returns! (2:17).

How blessed we are! We are the ones who have been called “according to his purpose.” But with that recognition, he reminds us not to brag about what we’ve done (3:4) The rules are different now that we are changed, and even upside-down. “But Christ has shown me that what I once though was valuable is now worthless. NOTHING is as wonderful as knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord!” (3:7-8). We’re not perfect, but we “keep on, keepin’ on!”

Finally, Chapter 4, after working out a squabble between two women in the church, Paul reminds us that we should have peace in our hearts, because no one can take away the blessings of kinship with Jesus Christ. If we keep the goal in sight we don’t have to worry about anything – God will provide.

[Dr. Mike James was named Dean of the College of Communication at Harding University in August 2008. He had served as the department chair since 1993. James, a distinguished professor of communication, has served as a faculty member since 1979. Prior to that appointment, he had worked for the University as a staff member since 1973 as director of photography for the Public Relations Office. He holds the Bachelor of Science degree from Harding, Master of Science degree from Arkansas State University, and Ph.D. from Florida State University. He is an active member of and contributor to the Broadcast Education Association. James was one of 30 faculty members nationally and internationally selected as a 2007 faculty fellow for the National Association of Television Program Executives annual conference. Mike and his wife Beth have four children and five grandchildren.]