I can identify with the Christians in the church in Philippi. Paul brought the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to them and they believed; but even though they were born anew spiritually, their circumstances didn’t change much. They continued to live in the same world as the unbelievers around them. They faced the same troubles, challenges, grief and pain. They even faced some additional ridicule and persecution because of their faith. I’m sure they wondered at times (as I have) if living the Christian life is simply preparation for a much better life after this one. What makes the Christian life better while we are here? Are we making a difference in this world that seems to be stubbornly unchanged or even getting worse?
Paul gives them (and us) an answer in the letter he wrote to them. He encourages them to; “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say again – rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.” (Philippians 4:4-5) It is a reminder of the joy that flooded my soul when the Holy Spirit began to dwell within me as a new Christian. I wanted to share that joy with the world. That joy in the Lord has remained with me through all that I have been through over the more than six decades of my Christian life. Joy in the Lord is different from elation, happiness or contentment. Those feelings are a result of our circumstances, but joy in the Lord remains constant and strong even in our darkest hours. It is joy that comes from knowing God’s love and sharing that love with those around us. God’s love and joy changes us and it can change the world when we share it.
Having such a great joy within us, it is not possible to keep it to ourselves. The world can and will question our faith, but they can’t deny our experience and our personal testimony. When we follow Paul’s advice and rejoice in spite of our circumstance, our life will speak volumes about God’s love and our joy in the Lord. Some of the greatest testimonies of God’s mercy and grace that I have encountered were not spoken – they were lived.
As for Paul’s statement that the Lord is coming soon, I’m not a student of the prophets, nor do I possess the gift of prophesy myself. I have no idea when Jesus will return, but there are some things I do know for sure; He is coming (Matthew 25:13); He has delayed His coming to give everyone a chance to accept the gift of salvation and choose eternal life (2 Peter 3:9); His return is two thousand years closer now than it was when Paul wrote that letter to the church in Philippi; and whether Jesus comes back before or after I die, I will join Him in paradise (Luke 23:43).