Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
… by being like-minded…
Summary: When Paul asks us to be like-minded, he challenges the very essence of our human desire to be in charge.
In this passage, Paul is imploring the Philippians to express their connection to Christ (Philippians 2:1) and complete Paul’s joy by demonstrating like-mindedness.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:2b – The Road to Like-Minded”
Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen …
Summary: Whether we are kids in grade school or adults at work, we all crave attention. Everyone wants to be popular. When a “new kid” comes to town, they seem to upset the balance of power and suddenly everyone is vying for attention.
Here is an interesting thought: How does going into “great detail” impact a story?
Does adding detail add to the story, or is the purpose of “great detail” to add credibility to the storyteller?
As I ponder Paul’s words in this passage I find myself reflecting on what people say and how they say it. Paul is pointing out a characteristic of a certain type of people. These are not ordinary, every-day people, but these are people who have a mission to corrupt the faith of believers.
Continue reading “Colossians 2:18c – Monkey See, Monkey Do”… so that I might live for God.
Summary: It turns out that dying to the law and living for God are related. We also discover an interesting relationship between self-interest and the law.
Continue reading “Galatians 2:19b – Living for God”You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self …
Summary: The language Paul uses to describe how belief in Jesus changes a person is remarkably similar to a modern psychoanalytic theory known as transactional analysis.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:22a – Ego States”… what you would have them do to you…
Summary: Figuring out why God wants us to love him above all else isn’t hard but it does require some humility.
Continue reading “Matthew 7:12 – Love”