“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. “ (Philippians 1:27-28)
Saint Paul wrote the letter to the saints at Philippi when he was in prison in Rome. His concern was that they would continue to walk in the faith and remain true to God’s Word despite persecution and false teachers. Perhaps Paul thought that the Philippians were becoming discouraged over his imprisonment and because of the prevalence of false teachers out seeking their own profit. Such teachers hurt the cause of Christ. And when we face obstacles and problems that seem to hinder the work of the ministry we tend to get upset and aggravated. Yet Paul does not see these tribulations as a reason to shrink back from preaching or from living a life pleasing to God..
In this time of social unrest and pandemic chaos we also may want to shrink back from sharing the message of the gospel. We fear for our lives. And yet Paul and the Philippians deliberately placed themselves at risk to far greater perils and more immediate dangers. They continued to preach the gospel and perform works of compassion and mercy despite the cost to them. We have faith that trusts in Jesus so we can follow their example. We need not fear those who engage in violence and promote political division and hatred. There wickedness is a clear sign that they are headed for destruction for they face the just and righteous hand of the Lord whom they oppose.
And we need not fear COVID either if we are about doing the Lord’s work. This fear we have of the pandemic and its accompanying unrest can be overcome and nullified if we see these situations as opportunities to spread the good news about Jesus. After all He is in control. So let us ask the Lord to use us for our enemies are continuing their fight to control human souls. So should we.