by Pastor Dennis

Reflections on Philippians 1:1-30

“I want you to know, my brothers, that the things that have happened to me have really helped the progress of the gospel. As a result, the whole palace guard and all the others here know that I am in prison because I am a servant of Christ. And my being in prison has given most of the brothers more confidence in the Lord, so that they grow bolder all the time to preach the message fearlessly.” Philippians 1:12-14

I always heard as a child, and I am sure you have too, not to wear your heart on your sleeve. This usually was in the context of liking someone and letting all your friends know; what usually happens then is someone takes advantage of or makes fun of you. Wearing your heart on your sleeve makes your view points visible and easy for others to take “pot shots” at you. If taken to the extreme, hard feelings results.

The Apostle Paul wore the heart of Jesus on his sleeve in his day. Authorities tried to silence Paul always with threats. The more they threatened, the more vocal Paul became. He was run out of many towns, ship wreaked, even stoned once. The more his opposers came after him, the louder he would get. When he was put into jail, what do you think he did? He got to work and converted all the prisoners to the way of the Lord. Throughout his writings, if Paul had his way, people could have killed him so he could be with Christ. Whatever situations he found himself, he saw sorrowful times as advancing the gospel message.

Are you vocal about your faith? Do you wear your love for Jesus on your sleeve? Does it really matter to you what people think, if you are advancing God’s message? I posse these questions because most people cower at the first sign of oppression. Why do I think this is true? Because if the Evil One can silence God’s messagers, then lives will not be transformed and the Devil can triumph even more. For as the scriptures say when God’s message is proclaimed and the resurrection of our Lord is known, then the love of our Lord prevails to give more meaning to this life and hope for eternity with the one whose heart we wear on our sleeve.

Dear Lord, make me bolder in sharing your word each day. As I encounter people I meet, make me ready to share your love with them. As you hold my heart in your hand, I wear your heart on my sleeve. Amen.

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