Thoughts on Philippians 4:4ff
The Epistle lesson for Oct. 9

Perspective is the way a person looks at something. Look at the Grand Canyon from the heights of a lookout and you see the beauty and the wonder of the winding river canyon which God created. But stand at the bottom of the Grand Canyon and you can only see what’s right in front of you. What do you see when you look at your life? Perspective matters.

St. Paul’s perspective on life is not measured from the depths of a canyon; but from the heights of God’s grace. That’s important because at this point in time Paul could have very easily taken a dim view of his circumstances. He is under arrest, chained to a Roman soldier, awaiting trial before the Roman emperor. But as we read this letter, it’s easy to see that Paul is neither depressed nor anxious. If you doubt it, read the four chapters of this Letter to the Philippians. Six times Paul uses the word “joy.” Paul tells the Philippians, “In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” Six times Paul uses the word “rejoice.” Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

You see, Paul views his life from the perspective of the cross. Paul considers the wonder of God’s saving grace. That saving grace provides Paul with a unique perspective on life. And it provides us with that same unique perspective on life. Saving grace is about our Lord Jesus. Saving grace is about Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Saving grace is about God giving us forgiveness and eternal life because of his Son. And that saving grace is to have a positive effect on who we are and what we do. Listen to the way that Paul describes it. Paul says, “Let your attitude be the same as that of Christ Jesus who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!”

Jesus dying on the cross results in forgiveness for you. Jesus dying on that cross and rising from the grave means that we are given a unique perspective on life. Life, then, is not a matter of what we don’t have materially; but a matter of what God has done for us and what God has given us. That’s what’s behind Paul’s words as he writes, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Whatever is Jesus. Jesus is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. Think on Jesus and everything else in life falls into its proper place. Consider what we have been given in Jesus and there is no reason to be worried about anything. St. Paul says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

May our gracious Lord continually remind us of that wonderful perspective!