Thursday, December 18, 2003
Philippians 4:4-7

Pretty soon we will begin to unpack our Christmas ornaments. They've been in boxes for almost a year now and we need to dust them, perhaps fix some light bulbs and start thinking about how we will decorate the tree differently this year. But let me tell you: it's not the way you put it up; it's the way you live it!

We live in a generation of "closet Christians." They come out for special celebrations, Christmas being one of them. They need to be taken out of the boxes, dusted off and are ready to pretend to be what they are not. Then after the celebration they return to the box and then to the closet till next year or the next big celebration.

That is why, when the Apostle Paul wrote this letter, he was not encouraging everyone, rather he was encouraging those who were burned out, those who were giving their lives for the Gospel of Christ. Men and women who dedicated their lives, and maybe gave their lives, but now they were feeling tired, abandoned, and alone in ministry. Sound familiar? It happens today. Statistics show that only 20 percent of the membership of the church serve in ministry.

How can we rejoice, as Paul said, when "brothers" and "sisters" criticize everything we do or try to do? How can we not be anxious when people undermine the efforts of others to preach and to live Christ? The Philippians were down and they needed a shot of Good News. Paul gave it to them. I can hear Paul: "Hey, I am here. I am your partner in ministry, even though I am in jail. It may seem horrible in here or out there, but let me tell you: Rejoice! God is with me and God is with you!"

Unbelievable. Paul used the word "rejoice." "Yes, you Philippians have hit the bottom, but now I am telling you "Rejoice... and in peace guard your hearts and minds... what ever you've learned and heard... put it in to practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

The times call for Christians men and women willing to get out of the closet -- and stay out -- and live what they believe. The Church of Christ can not stand on the sidelines anymore and must not keep quiet about what is happening around us. The Church of Christ needs to live what we believe in this strange land. "Rejoice in the Lord. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Let me tell you that Paul was not giving a pep talk. The Apostle was challenging people to be agent of change, ambassadors of the kingdom of God to a world that goes in the opposite direction of what God says is best for it.

The great Puerto Rican baseball player Roberto Clemente died in an airplane crash in 1972 trying to help the people of Nicaragua after an earthquake. He once said: "Anytime you have an opportunity to make things better and you don't do it, then you are wasting your time on this earth."

Zephaniah reminds us about hope. Isaiah reminds us about living thankful lives. Luke reminds us not to compromise our message. Now, Paul invites us to live that message among the people. Will you? Time is so precious ---- don't waste it. Remember: "...the God of peace will be with you.

Diego Orsini


All contents copyright 2003 by the Wisconsin Chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action. Permission is granted to United Methodist congregations, individuals and groups to reproduce and distribute this devotional without charge. All other use requires the advance permission of the editor.