Philippians 1, Part 3

Read PART 1 HERE.

Read PART 2 HERE.

Years ago, I had in my kitchen window two plants. One, a succulent; the other, a lush, green houseplant. As I observed these plants over a period of months, I sensed that they had something to teach me.

The succulent is a plant that thrives where most plants would shrivel. Their fleshy leaves hoard water for times of drought.

This built-in resiliency makes them a perfect choice for problem places like direct sunlight, high temperatures, windy spots, high slopes, and even damp and cold climates. They require minimal outside care because they have what they need for survival within their fleshy leaves.

I’ve found myself wondering,

“Am I doing all I can to be prepared in all circumstances to overcome affliction and be resilient during tough times?“

“In what ways might I prepare myself to thrive in situations where others might shrivel?“

REJOICE IN AFFLICTIONS

In Philippians 1: 12-19, Paul shares a brief synopsis of his sufferings with the saints. He then declares with confidence that he rejoices in his afflictions because each and every affliction brought about the furtherance of the gospel:

12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have come rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;

13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;

14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of goodwill:

16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:

17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel.

18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation…

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BUILDING RESILIENCE

Resiliency is one of my favorite words.

I love the concept of working with adversity in such a way that one comes through it unharmed or even better for the experience.

Paul was the epitome of resiliency.

He required minimal outside care because he had what he needed for survival within.

Just as water sustains succulents, so the blood of Christ sustains us.

When we partake of the sacrament water, we do so in remembrance of the blood of Christ–blood that was so freely shed for our sins, pains, and weaknesses, allowing us the opportunity to change, repent, and become a better version of ourselves.

MOVING TOWARD THE LIGHT

Returning to the plants in my kitchen window…

To the left of the succulent was a lush, green houseplant, growing taller each day and always moving steadily toward the light that shone through the window.

I wondered, “Am I growing spiritually taller each day, and is my direction in life always one that is moving toward the light?”

Sometimes I’d flip the plant around to face the darkness and watch with fascination how, over the next days and weeks, it altered its course and again started moving towards the light.

It is a comforting reminder that, when needed, I, too, can change course and redirect myself so that I am again moving toward the light.

After all, isn’t that what Saul/Paul did?

CHALLENGE:

“Consider your circumstances. Start small.

Have you taken full advantage of the opportunities offered to you?

Are you working had on your career, or even your job, or are you letting bitterness and resentment hold you back and drag you down?

Have you made peace with your brother?

Are you treating your spouse and your children with dignity and respect?

Do you have habits that are destroying your health and well-being?

Are you truly shouldering your responsibilities?

Have you said what you need to say to your friends and family members?

Are there things that you could do, that you know you could do, that would make things around you better?

Have you cleaned up your life?

If the answer is no, here’s something to try:

Start to stop doing what you know to be wrong.

Start stopping today.”

~ Jordan Peterson

“...awake, and arise from the dust, O Jerusalem; yea, and put on thy beautiful garments, O daughter of Zion; and strengthen thy stakes and enlarge thy borders forever, that thou mayest no more be confounded, that the covenants of the Eternal Father which he hath made unto thee, O house of Israel, may be fulfilled.

Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.” (Isaiah 52; Moroni 30: 31-32)

[END PART 3]