Fresh Look

I’ve been reading Philippians, and I just finished with Chapter 2, which talks about Paul’s state and how he views his situation. He also mentions that in all circumstances, we should have an attitude of Christ. What is the attitude of Christ? My answer would be someone who loves wholeheartedly, works together with others, goes through life living in genuine faith, and is humble.

As Paul was writing this letter, he was in prison. I was mind-blown because I wasn’t aware that he was in jail during that time. I have this life study application Bible. It shares some insight and tells you some things that you would have never even bothered to consider while reading (like things to keep in mind). In verses 17-18, Paul writes, “But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.” The comments section shares that Paul continued to have an optimistic viewpoint even though he was in prison. I don’t know about you, but I don’t know that I would still continue to have an optimistic view and still share God’s word with the people if I were in jail.

Paul could have literally just left himself to die or became hopeless and just sat in his misery. Still, instead, he saw this as an opportunity to share the good news and be joyful that this is where God had him. He found the worst opportunity and managed to find the good in it. I felt the conviction and thought to myself, I should have Paul’s mentality. We should all have Paul’s mentality and find pure joy in ALL circumstances and remain with an attitude of Christ. We should use our hardships as opportunities that God gives us to use them for his glory.