I was reading this morning in the first chapter of Philippians and reflecting on the current state of our Anglican brotherhood and the many broken relationships that result in or even cause the kind of rivalry and pretense of which Paul is speaking. In some respect, we are all guilty of this presumption that our way or our perspective is best. Fear of loosing control binds us and prevents the church from fulfilling God's purposes for us. Our witness is hampered by this brokenness and lack of unity. Lord forgive us.
However...and I am glad there is a however...thanks be to God, our sin cannot prevent the gospel from being heard! "Whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice." (Phil.1:18)
I wonder, though, just how much more powerful our witness would be if we could shed the pretense and walk in unity and righteousness before him? Is the "manner of our lives worthy of the gospel of Christ"? (1:27). Are we "standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, striving side by side for the faith of the gospel"? No we are not. How that grieves the heart of God.
My brothers and sisters, I pray with Paul this intercession for the church that, "love may abound more and more...that we will approve what is excellent and be so pure and blameless...filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.". (1:11)
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