Following Christ
Philippians 3:17-4:1 NRSV
Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.
Clement of Alexandria
We know that this is well said, for we ought to live as strangers and expatriates in the world . . . not using the creation to satisfy our passions but high-mindedly and with thanksgiving. (Stromata 3.95)
Marius Victorinus
Love, the sum of every virtue for the Christian, does not fittingly come to pass if the faithful do not stand united as one, thinking in harmony. This is what Paul means here by “Stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.” We may understand that he wants them to be united in understanding from the fact that he calls them (literally) “most beloved brethren.” Mutual love is the result of thinking in unison and standing together in Christ. When all have equal faith in Christ, all of us stand together in him. (Epistle to the Philippians 4.1)
Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities that may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Anglican Book of Common Prayer)
How Can I Keep From Singing?
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment and give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Corinthians 4.15).
