A Life in Exile

We live in a day and age when people love to be noticed. After all, who doesn’t like being chosen for the team, recognized for a job well-done, or lifted up as a model to others? These are opportunities to be thankful that others found your efforts commendable. There’s nothing wrong with that. But there are also people who put themselves up for recognition, claim to be “influencers” without any credit to their names, or find ways to elevate themselves over others with sensational actions. These are the not-so-great examples of those who long to be noticed without the work or expertise to back it up.

Names to remember

History is full of the names of people who will not be easily forgotten. Why? Because they fill our history books and have impacted society through their leadership or inventions. We often only have to mention the names of some like Constantine, Martin Luther, George Washington, or Winston Churchill, to bring up a moment in history forever changed by their impact.

The Holy Bible also contains names such as these. We know Abraham, Moses, David, and Paul. Even those without a background in Judaism or Christianity are well aware of these mentioned throughout history. I’m grateful for the written record of the Bible and historical accounts that carry these names, so they will not be forgotten, enabling us to learn from their lives and influence.

The flip side to the written record

God knows the importance of the written word. Whether on stone, leather, or parchment, He wanted His words to the people recorded and kept for generations to come. One of the great proofs to the veracity of the Bible is that it contains not only the obedience of those God called and used, but also their weaknesses, sins, and faults. Other than the Lord Jesus Christ, not one person mentioned in the Bible is without fault. They all had their moments of doubt, weakness, or even blatant disobedience and sin. God uses this to remind us of the effects of the Fall and man’s inability to achieve righteousness on his own. We all need a Savior.

I was thinking of this when I recently read Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi. The first church on the continent of Europe, Philippi held a special place in Paul’s heart, as he remembered Lydia and the other believers there, and how they welcomed him and supported his ministry. Philippians is a sweet letter, when compared with that, let’s say, to the church in Corinth. There is a lot of encouragement and reminders to the supremacy of Christ.

Toward the end of this short epistle, Paul expresses his love for the church and encourages them to stand firm in the Lord. He even calls them his “joy and crown” (Phil. 4:1). Then, he mentions two of the members of this body of believers: Euodia and Syntyche.

I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. (Phil. 4:2-3 ESV)

Get along

If Paul were to write a letter to your church today, what would he say in mentioning your name? I certainly have pondered this for myself. I wonder how Euodia and Syntyche felt when their names were read out to the church? Were they embarrassed or angered?

Paul doesn’t question their character. He tells us that they labored together with him in the work of the gospel in Philippi. He knows the good they have done and gives them credit for their love for Christ. He also does not doubt their salvation. Their names, along with those of all those who worked with Paul, are recorded in the book of life.

So, what is he asking of these two women? Agree in the Lord. Get along. They are working toward the same goal, so don’t let petty disagreements hinder the ministry.

What does this teach us? It’s a reminder that even believers—even those who love the Lord and faithful serve the cause of Christ—can let differences get in the way of the work. Was one or both trying to outdo the other? Were they looking for recognition to pump up their pride? Had the humility Paul wrote of earlier fallen by the wayside?

It could be any one of these things. How do I know? Because I know how I often allow my own pride take over in service. I know what it looks like to be jealous when another believer does something, even a good thing, that makes them shine just a bit brighter than me. Instead of being grateful for their efforts in ministry, I think of a way to outshine them. Petty? Yes. Christ-honoring? No.

So, though Euodia and Syntyche faced momentary embarrassment at this gentle rebuke, I’m thankful, because it causes me to think first before I pick a fight with a fellow believer (even in my mind). I want any mention of my name to only say, “well done, good and faithful servant.” What about you?

Grace and Peace

If you missed the last Wednesday Wisdom, click HERE, or check out these posts on fallible saints: Working for the Infallible God through Fallible Organizations, God Remembers Our Weaknesses, The Certainty of Christ versus the Fallibility of Man, Empty Pedestals, and Cracked Pots.