June 26, 2025
Dear Central Church,
What does a “joy ride” look like to you? I took a joy ride with my friend who has a really cool car. Sometimes, in a moment of spiritual weakness, I come close to envying this American made sports car with “t-top” windows, custom aluminum wheels, high performance racing tires, and tons of “muscle” under the hood. If this car had wings, it would fly!
As we walk through the book of Philippians, we are invited on a different kind of joy ride. Paul is in prison with no possessions and little provisions. He lives under the constant threat of execution. The reports his friends bring him about his churches are largely filled with troublesome news. Needless to say, there is plenty in his life to steal his joy.
Every day we are exposed to news and events that could potentially steal our joy. Last week’s newspaper included stories about the potential for the US to go to war in Iran, the rising death toll in Gaza, public servants in MN being killed in politically motivated murders, and the continued violence in Ukraine. That was just the front page.
But what about when the front page comes to your front door? What do we do when war isn’t happening in some far off land, but is happening between you and a friend? How do we respond when political turmoil is the least of our worries and the turmoil in our home becomes all consuming?
Recognizing the dire straits that Paul was in when he wrote the letter to the Philippians helps us put today’s news and our personal struggles in perspective. We are not the first to go through difficult times. He writes this,
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. (Philippians 1:27)
“Whatever happens” is a big statement! I don’t think Paul ever read the front page of the Kansas City Star or dealt with the personal things that I’ve experienced. But then again, maybe he has. And in the midst of it all, he encourages followers of Jesus to “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ.”
My prayer is that as we explore the book of Philippians together we’ll find the strength, wisdom, and power to live this way “whatever happens.” Life wasn’t easy for Paul, but he found that the “joy of the Lord” was his strength. The same can be true for us as we put our trust in Jesus.
I hope you’ll join us Sunday as we experience this joy together that is found only in Jesus! We’ll be sharing the Lord’s Supper together to conclude our services as a reminder of Christ’s presence that is always with us. See you Sunday!
Until He’s Finished,
Pastor Mark