Not Frightened in Anything!

"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God." Philippians 1:27-28  ESV

The instructions are very clear, the Christian life is to be lived as our Lord Jesus. He has made us worthy of all He is, and therefore we are empowered to live in that power and victory, not because we are able by being strong in will-power, but simply because of His abiding in us. So the instructions come by way of encouragement to walk with other people in fellowship and joined in soul. I realize this translation, and many others, use "mind," but the word is commonly used for soul, which in most of our minds includes more than just our minds. In fact, mentally or intellectually, we may differ yet still are empowered to walk as one in Him. Our tendency to boil this down to our thinking alike, has ended up in many schisms in the body's fellowship.  So in the unity He has given through the Spirit, we walk with others in peace - striving side by side for the faith of this over-the-edge good news.

As Paul is exhorting the Philippians, he wants them to understand that as they face oppositions, it is their lack of fear that is imperative.  When others oppose us, there is a natural fear that sets in. Most of us hate (strong word, but oh so true) conflict of any kind. I realize there are some who enjoy that, and as a result have the opposite problem of being too quick to encounter. However, here Paul is working with Christians who are being opposed because they are Christians. He urges them not to allow fear to diminish their faith. Standing calmly when others are accusing us, then loving through all that to bless in calmness is clearly supernatural. It is the stance of faith. Only when we have securely wrapped ourselves in His abundant love and empowerment, will we be confident enough to stand without fear of any kind.

The Spirit let's us know that our lack of fear is actually a sign to those who oppose us that declares they are in the wrong place - they cannot win this - their destruction awaits. When that is our deep, interior understanding, then we stand and love and remain in His calm response regardless of what is being said or threatened. Such is the empowerment of God in our interior.

Notice, he did not say, "don't be frightened, if you are a person who likes and can handle conflict and opposition." No, no, no. He said this for all of us whose natural tendencies are to fade and shrink from view when we are opposed in any way. Most of the training for this kind of standing is found in our families and friends. When we do not stand and make proper boundaries, due to a fear of conflict, then we must face it again and again, until in love and peace we can stand and love through that. He will train us. Learning things such as this through a book is a good thing. But the reality of it must be experienced. So back to the prayer closet to get my heart in confidence of His holding and shielding. I think this is called faith. Lord, thank you.