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There are five crocodiles that live in a pond next to a holy shrine in Bangladesh. Every day, hundreds of devotees come to the shrine to pay their respects, offering food to the crocodiles and bathing in the pond ritualistically. One day, a man who had travelled 50 km with his mother to do the same got into the water, hoping to be blessed by the animals, but was attacked and killed by one of the crocodiles. As would be apparent to most people reading this story, an accident like this was waiting to happen at this pond. Reason: regardless of what the devotees wanted it to be, the crocodile was at its heart what it was—a carnivorous animal known for attacking and killing humans, often without any provocation. The animal could not have always been able to contain its true nature.
Similarly, we humans also cannot always hide who we truly are deep inside. Unlike animals we make decisions not simply based on our desires and bodily appetites but also based on our convictions. Our convictions are our deep-seated beliefs about reality, and reveal what we value the most. They determine how we prioritize our lives, and govern how we make decisions. We can pretend to have certain convictions when we are around people or when we know someone is watching. However, we cannot always hide our true convictions. At times, they do spill forth. They question to ponder is: when they do spill forth, what do they reveal about us?
In Phil. 1:1-2, Paul does not talk at all about convictions. Instead he simply makes the introductory comments regarding the letter he is writing. But as he makes these comments, some of his deepest convictions shine forth. These convictions are worthy of reflection by all followers of Jesus Christ.
Explanation
First, Paul recognized that regardless of what people might have thought of him he was simply one of the many servants of Jesus Christ (1:1a). Second, Paul believed that all believers were “saints in Christ Jesus” (1:1b). Their faith in Christ, regardless of the level of their spiritual maturity makes them saints. Third, Paul demonstrated that all believers (laymen as well as leaders) need spiritual growth (1:1b). Fourth, Paul believed that Jesus Christ is equally God with God the Father (1:2). He imparted grace and peace to the Philippian believers from “God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (1:2). In his thinking grace and peace originated from Christ just as much as they did from God. For Christ is just as divine as God the Father.
Application
Would some of your close friends, ministry associates, and church members recognize you as a servant? If they were asked to list your personality traits, would “servant-hood” be on the list? Do you simply confess to be a servant verbally, or do you back your confession with actions?
How do you view your fellow believers? Do you respect some and disrespect others based on their levels of spiritual maturity? Will you make a commitment to love, respect, and encourage all believers as “saints” in Christ Jesus?
If you lead in any capacity in a church, are you making conscious efforts to not simply teach believers but to learn with them? Do you let God’s word convict your heart before you take that same word to others?