If…Then Love (Part 2)
Scripture — Philippians 2:1-2 (NRSV)
If, then, there is any comfort in Christ, any consolation from love, any partnership in the Spirit, any tender affection and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
Focus
It is possible to accomplish great strides in life; to receive great rewards. But there is something intrinsically good in a life that finds complete joy in being in the same disposition as others.
Devotion
It is encouraging to see how Paul’s use of a conditional statement is not a hypothetical wish but a theological certainty. Even more encouraging is the weight of Paul’s statement “make my joy complete.”
Paul has a rap sheet filled with chasing down Christians. He could checkmark the entire Jewish pedigree requirements. He had an encounter with the risen Savior (Acts 9). He didn’t admit it but he was most likely the one who saw indescribable things in heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2). He was an apostle—sent by Jesus—to the nations.
It would seem like these experiences would be the kind of thing that gives someone complete joy. What could possibly top being in the presence of the Son of God? What better place to visit than heaven? What vocation matters more than being sent by God? Some may be satisfied but Paul shows us that there is yet another good worth pursuing.
His joy was certainly overflowing. But his joy was only complete when others shared in it. He is modeling the Savior’s own path in life. It is possible to accomplish great strides in life; to receive great rewards. But there is something intrinsically good in a life that finds complete joy in being in the same disposition as others.
Reflect
What does it mean to have complete joy?
Act
Survey your own life. Examine the type of circumstances that bring you joy. Are you satisfied when others learn about Christ?
Pray
God, since there is comfort, consolation, partnership, affection, and compassion, help us to become people who derive joy from connecting to others, also. Thank you for sharing so much with us in order that we may share it with others. Amen.
Banner image by Brett Jordan on Unsplash.
Find all Life for Leaders devotions here. Explore what the Bible has to say about work at the High Calling archive, hosted by the unique website of our partners, the Theology of Work Project. Reflection on today’s Life for Leaders theme can be found here: Attitude Adjustment.
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DeLano Sheffield
Author & Business Resource Specialist
DeLano J. Sheffield is the Business Resource Specialist for Goodwill of MoKan where he connects to people on the fringes, training them to reach their full potential through learning and the power of work; he also is on the frontlines of the advances of the fourth industrial revolution and coa...