Paul was in prison facing a death sentence because of his faith. At the beginning of the letter, we see his desperation. He expresses that he’d prefer to die and “be with Christ.” But for their sake, he would press on and continue the battle. Never forget the context that most of the New Testament writers were enduring. Persecution and martyrdom were common, and opposition from the community and even family was pervasive. Yet throughout the Bible, there is not once where we are instructed to act in rebellion to the established authorities. Even though these authorities were literally anti-Christ in that the Romans and Jewish religious leaders had conspired to crucify Jesus.
What are we called to do in such dire times? Paul says in Philippians that he is glad he was imprisoned because through it the church was motivated to preach Christ. Philippians 1:18 reads: “What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.”
Communicating the gospel of Jesus Christ must be every Christian’s primary agenda. Any cause that becomes more important than Jesus has become an idol. We must ensure that the issues we fight for never supersede our calling to be ambassadors for Christ. Every other agenda must remain at a much lower level of significance.
As Christians and citizens of our nations, we are called to influence our communities by promoting godliness in every sphere of life. Certainly we need to be involved in politics and other ways of shaping our society. Thankfully we have the ability to be an active part of the governance through voting, freedom of speech, supporting those individuals or groups that are advocating for godly governance, and in many other ways. In everything we do we must reflect the character of Christ and not be drawn into a reaction based in fear or anger.
Paul’s exhortation to the church is as important today as it was when he wrote it. “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” (Philippians 4:4-8)