Good morning.
Each day the "news" gives us new reasons to be anxious: war, killings, economic troubles. It’s hard to be thankful when it seems like everything we have is threatened.
Paul reminds us of what our response should be, "conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ ... stand firm in the one Spirit, striving as one for the faith of the gospel." (Philippians 1:27)
Anxiety warps our sense of perspective, making us fearful, bitter, and even angry at God. Anxiety is more than unpleasant; it’s spiritually dangerous.
We experience anxiety when we find our security in something other than the love of Christ.
Paul facing an uncertain outcome of his audience with Caesar (possibly death) says, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21)
The source of Paul’s assurance is that he knows that nothing can separate him from his source of security - his identity in Christ.
As we go about our lives, let us focus on the source of our security. "In Christ alone my hope is found ... Here in the love of Christ I stand."
Blessings.
Mike and Daphne
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