Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel…
Summary: Paul’s comment about the “early days” of the Philippians’ relationship with the Gospel of Jesus Christ points to a truth we can all relate to.
Paul’s reference to “early days” is a reference we can all relate to. Things change with the passage of time. No matter what we might talk about, the “early days” of something are always special.
Have you heard the expression, “Putting your best foot forward?” It’s an idiom that means a person is trying to make a good impression. When people put their “best foot forward,” it is hard not to get along and have a good time.
In the early days of a relationship, people tend to put their best foot forward. It’s simple to do and feels natural for most of us. Unfortunately, always being on one’s “best foot” takes effort. Effort requires energy and concentration. After a while, we get tired. Sometimes, we get cranky or downright selfish.
In the early days of the Philippian church, Euodia and Syntyche were both putting their best foot forward. Paul remembers them fondly as having “contended” at his side in the “cause of the Gospel.”
Ah, yes, those wonderful first days! People were excited by the Gospel’s promise of love and fellowship. In those days, putting the Lord’s will first seemed easy to do. The Holy Spirit’s presence was new, and people were aglow with the promise of new life in Jesus Christ.
Then … time passed.
It does that, you know.
Satan is persistent if not patient. He is constantly throwing little temptations in our path. They take many forms, but all of them are arrows aimed at getting us to take our eyes away from Jesus and turning them back to ourselves. “But what about me?” is the constant refrain of our old selves, our “sinful nature” (Romans 7:14-20).
After Paul left, Euodia and Syntyche were, no doubt, both intent on turning their backs on their sinful natures and committing their lives to Christ. Yet, the “early days” cannot be “early” forever. Eventually, the days run together, and the weight of everyday living creeps back in.
Euodia and Syntyche are a reminder that living for Christ is not only for the early days, but it is a whole new life. The battle against sin does not end until we are called home to be with Jesus. Until then, we do well to remember the early days of our love for Jesus and build on that foundation every day we have.
Application: Let’s strive to keep our eyes on Jesus!
Food for Thought: How does Jesus feel about us when we stop putting our best foot forward? (See Revelation 2:1-5)
Looking at Revelation 2:1-5, Jesus wants us to “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.” (v5)
That statement is both full of truth and grace. Jesus is asking the church in Ephesus, but really all of us, to remember how life-changing and wonderful it is to live with Him in our hearts. To remember the truth that He brought and that brought us to Him. He asks us to recognize the truth of our present walk with Him, and if we have allowed the distractions of life and self-interest to cloud our perspective, our effectiveness for Him, and our love for Him. Then with grace He offers us the same mercy He did at first, to repent and be forgiven, and to proceed with Him. It makes sense to me that He would say that He would remove the light stand if there is no repentance. What good is a light stand with no light? We may hold the light stand, but He is the light that shines from it. If our hearts are an obstruction to His light, then we are against Him.
Chris,
“We may hold the light stand, but He is the light that shines from it. If our hearts are an obstruction to His light, then we are against Him.”
Very well said!
Good call on pointing to Rev 2: 1 – 5. And good comments as always CH.
I think to continually put our best foot forward we have to have a continually transformed heart. If someone used to swear a lot but was convicted and worked hard on it, but then they stub their toe and swear, it shows the problem is still buried somewhere.
In Matthew 15: 16 – 20 Jesus explained a parable to His disciples by saying: “Are you still so dull?” Jesus asked them. 17“Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? 18But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. 19For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. 20These are what defile a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them.”
We can put our best foot forward for a while, but lasting change is revealed long term through a renewed mind and heart. By continually moving toward Jesus our hearts will become softer rather than hardened. This can lead to better results (better fruit) long term.
Brother Rich,
I want to complement you on coming up with the “stubbed toe” allegory to complement the “best foot forward” idiom! Nicely done!! 🙂
And yes, I completely agree that continuous transformation is required.
Wife is home after 6 weeks with family so I am occupied for a bit. Be back soon.
Ron,
I am glad she is home safe! Thanks for the update!!
Family in China.