Since 1964 I have been involved in this work and I am most aware of the responsibility of this task and calling.
To be called to preach and teach and explain the word of God to others is always an awesome task, and sometimes it can be harder than at other times, especially when you come to a passage like this.
These thoughts flow from my recent reading and study of that amazing document which is basically a letter written in Rome to the Church of Jesus Christ at Philippi in modern day Turkey, and I am concentrating on the opening sentence of what is called Chapter 2, although there is no break between Chapters 1 and 2.
These are man determined divisions! Paul is so very personal as he is sharing and baring his heart, and he continues to be so practical, and all this emerges very clearly.
What might the aim of this passage be? What is Paul seeking? What is he after? Is it about what we believe? Is it doctrinal? Yes it is partially abut belief and doctrine, but it is also about our behaviour, or our conduct.
Our behaviour is determined by what we believe.
Our conduct is determined by our creed.
It is all about having the mind of Christ.
This passage is here to help us to behave rightly, in our dealing with others in the Christian Fellowship which can be interpreted as all the fellows in the one ship! It is basically about relationships.
There is no break, in as much dear Paul did not sit down and say that he was now writing Chapter 2.
That was a development some seven or eight hundred years later! There is a continuity.
It is not a new theme or a different subject.
Remember the background where Paul is experiencing imprisonment and yet he is full of joy, because people are coming to believe.
I am ready to die, but I am concerned about you so I am also willing to remain in the body.
Let your life be worthy.
Stand together and be united.
In modern wording and expression we could say, 'stay with the Bible and the Word of God in the Scriptures no matter what people say about you'.
Only this week, one leading broadcaster, John Humphreys, on BBC Radio 4's flagship programme, "Today" referred to those who hold to the biblical doctrine of Creations as being 'bonkers'.
That is quite a strong view to broadcast on a news programme where John Humphreys is employed to be one of the presenters and to remain reasonably 'neutral' as a 'chairman' on crucial issues.
Do you see how what we believe influences our behaviour? Do you see how doctrine or lack of it affects our deeds? That applies to every area of life.
Sandy Shaw