Issue #45, December 1, 2010
Paul was chained up in prison, struggling, not sure whether it would be better to live or die, and opposed by people determined to undermine his leadership. In this situation he wrote four chapters of inspiration summarized by one of his opening statements, “And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.” (Philippians 1:18) Paul was leading with joy. He was not simply practicing the power of positive thinking and refusing to acknowledge his situation. Rather, as he saw his life, past, present and future, from God’s perspective he was able to lead with joy.
Paul had considered his past.
Paul had an impressive list of credentials in terms of training and experience. But he also carried the memory of his persecution of the church. Yet he didn’t allow his past to cause him pride or condemnation. Instead he said, “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” (Philippians 3:13) Paul surrendered his past to Christ and moved on. Servant leaders look at their past from God’s perspective, giving God credit for successes and receiving God’s forgiveness for failures. Their joy comes not from what happened in the past, but in God’s grace to redeem their past and use it for a greater good.
To think about: Am I free from my past?
Paul was content in the present.
Paul’s situation would throw most of us into deep despair! Instead, he almost casually mentions his chains and the challenges he was facing. He reveals why he has joy in prison with these words, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:12) Paul’s perspective allowed him to recognize that his imprisonment advanced the Gospel and that those who were seeking to destroy his ministry also advanced the cause of Christ. Servant leaders claim the reality that their lives are in God’s hands. Therefore, nothing that happens is out of control or by chance and God works through good and bad times. Many leaders measure their success by visible results but servant leaders learn to be content and rejoice no matter what the circumstances.
To think about: Am I truly content today?
Paul was confident of the future.
Paul’s joy also came from his hope for the future expressed in these words, “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6) Paul knew that God would finish His work and was so confident of his future that he viewed death as gain! Servant leaders have hope that inspires them to live in the present with joy. This vision of the future is not just positive thinking; it is seeing life from God’s perspective which balances realism with a solid hope.
To think about: Am I keeping my eyes on future realities?
Servant leaders follow Paul’s example to lead with joy as they see life from God’s perspective. This joy is passed on to followers and inspires them to a similar perspective. A joyful leader is a joy to follow.
For further reflection and discussion:
- Take 15 minutes to read the four chapters of Philippians. Circle or underline the words “joy” or “rejoicing” as you read. Pay attention to statements that reveal Paul’s situation as a leader. How does your current situation compare with his?
- When you think of your past, are you more likely to be proud or feel condemned? Reflect on Paul’s words in Philippians 3:4-16. Write a paragraph with your own summary of your past.
- What present circumstances are you in which seem unpleasant? Meditate on Paul’s statement in Philippians 4:11-12. How did Paul learn to be content? In what ways is God teaching you this lesson?
- Meditate on Paul’s view of the future in these verses. (Philippians 1:6, 21-23; 3:20-21). How does your view of the future bring you joy?
- How much do those who follow you see joy in your life? What steps can you take to demonstrate this more clearly to them?