Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Mission as Sharing Christ
 Philippians 4: 4-9

v5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 
Teaching younger boy scouts, I have had to be very patient and gentle to connect, teach various skills, and earn their respect. Reading Philippians 4:4-9, it reminded me that the attitude I needed to reach the younger scouts is the same attitude we need as Christians.
Paul's final exhortation to the Philippians is to be gentle, calm, and faithful. I believe that if we as a community develop these qualities, sharing Christ with others will become easier because we can connect and communicate better. The scripture states, “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” We should treat others as we would like to be treated. Paul explains that we should show our gentleness to everyone because we follow in His footsteps as Jesus has modeled for us in serving the multitudes. He wants us to pay attention to how we behave and assist others in doing the right things.
As Paul teaches, even during difficult times, like this pandemic, we should remain calm and faithful. Verse 6 states, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God.” It’s important to stay calm and faithful with God and do his work even when times are tough. It’s easy to forsake God in times like this and forget everything he has taught us. When we are struggling we should pray and ask for whatever our needs are as children ask their parents. We are all a part of God's plan even if we may not know what it is yet. We must always stay steadfast in his faith.
Paul states, “Finally, brothers and sisters, 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 see in me -- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Paul tells us that we should be optimistic and appreciate the things in life that make us happy. Paul concludes by emphatically urging us to share God by practicing what we learned from him. In doing so, we shall find peace that God is always with us.

PRAYER
 Lord, during this uncertain time, we lean on you because we know that You give us peace that transcends all understanding. Bless us with the assurance that Your plans are far greater than the plans we have for ourselves. Amen

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
 What If = Fear ; Even If= Faith

Sylas Chacko, St. John’s Mar Thoma Church, NY
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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