SCRIPTURE
Philippians 1:20 - I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
OBSERVATION
Written by Paul, under house arrest in Rome, fearing for his death. I sense a tiny bit of doubt in these words, a hint of understanding that while the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak, so he is saying that he hopes he can be strong enough to stand up for Christ, even facing death for that principle. We are all weak - and we all face persecution for our faith, albeit in a much less dangerous form here in the modern Western world. I fear humiliation, being despised, being ridiculed for my beliefs. I fear confrontation with people who believe differently. I don't like being treated with kid gloves by acquaintances who aren't sure how to act around me, just because they know I am a Christ follower. I also fear my own weakness...the temptation to deny Christ in order to avoid that confrontation. I fear that I am not an adequate ambassador. That I don't love enough, that I am unwilling to inconvenience myself for others, that through my words or my deeds I might not accurately represent Christ to others.
APPLICATION
When times of crisis come, when I am forced into corners, I need to retain perspective and always show the love of God to others. I cannot be ashamed or fearful, but need to rely on God to supply courage so that I can exalt God, not grieve him. God will bring these crises to me in order to grow my faith, and build my courage.
PRAYER
Father, please have mercy on me, your inadequate servant. Help me to transform myself to better please you and serve you, open my heart to others, grant me courage in times of strain, make me live as the immortal soul you see, not the flawed and failed mortal that others see. In Jesus' name - Amen.
Information on Philippians:
http://www.biblica.com/niv/study-bible/philippians/
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