Today in God’s Word

Today in God's Word—April 2023

East Tallassee Church of Christ

April 3, Philippians 4

Jesus often said that blessings come from hearing and doing. The epistles also recommend applying what we know to daily living.

One of those appeals to do and be blessed is here: “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me— practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” We can enrich life by doing what Paul said to do. The instructions in this brief portion alone would make a significant difference if we’d let them shape our conduct. I challenge you to look at the list and examine your own life (not your spouse, not your neighbor) and find places to make application. (Warning: that means you’ll have to change.)

Get along with one another. Be a peace- maker instead of a trouble-maker. Since we’ve got reservations to spend eternity together, let’s practice getting along while we’re here.

Choose to rejoice. It’s not what happens to you; it how you respond to it. This little letter overflows with Paul’s joy and thanksgiving while he was a prisoner. Remember the one who’s telling us to rejoice endured traumatic hardships in his work for the Lord, but he still radiated joy.

Avoid extremes. It’s easy to see how this one relates to the previous two. How many times has your peace been disturbed and your joy diminished by going to an extreme about something? The versions translate this instruction as reasonableness, moderation, gentleness or consideration— none of which are possible out on the fringe.

Worry less and pray more. When some threat to your peace and well-being comes along, is your reflexive response hand- wringing or knee-bending? These responses are polar opposites. Anxiety depletes your emotional energy and accomplishes nothing. Prayer increases your emotional energy and gets your request before the one who can do something about it by his power.

Control what you think. I doubt there’s any better way to program your life for joy. If you are troubled by undesirable thoughts that come to you when you’re trying to think with wholesome purity, remember Martin Luther’s counsel: “I cannot prevent birds from flying over my head, but I can keep them from building a nest in my hair.”

Learn to be content. Isn’t it good to know we can learn what we lack? It’s a blessing to know how the peace and strength of Christ overcomes our fleshly discontent.

Share what God has given you with those who are in need and those who are teaching the Word. God will give you more to meet your needs, and you’ll get credit in heaven for supporting the work of God here on earth.

See? If we do what Paul says, it will make a dramatic difference. Resisting and refusing to obey robs God of the glory he is due from your life, and robs you of the joy and peace he wants you to have. Which of these directions could you put into practice today?

From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament, Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.