Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

                                                                -Philippians 4:1

Here Paul challenged the Philippians to pursue Christlikeness. Many people claim to be Christians but don’t live up to the model of Christ in servant hood and self-sacrifice. Paul gives 3 values for us to follow in this chapter to become better Christians, living in accordance with God’s will. He also urges everyone to set our minds on knowing God and not on the pursuits of this world.

The first value of life is to stand fast in the Lord. In our day to day life we have a fight against evil forces and also temptations. But if we stay faithful to God through it all God has promised us the crown and eternal life. Even false teachings lead us to go astray. We need perseverance when we are challenged or opposed. We have to focus on the fact that everything in our life is in God’s control. With the help of Holy Spirit, and fellow believers we can stand firm in the word of God.

The second value of life is, be of the same mind in the Lord. There may be no doctrinal errors in our lives but there may be some problems in our divine standard and the oneness with every believer in Christ. It is possible to believe in Christ, Work hard for His Kingdom, and yet have broken relationship with others who are committed to the same cause. Through the help of the Holy Spirit we must reconcile with others and be of the same mind in the Lord.

The third value is Rejoice in the Lord always. Paul from the prison is asking everyone to rejoice in the Lord always. Our circumstances should not shake our inner (man) or attitudes. No matter what happens, God is always with us. When we see unpleasant circumstances we are easily discouraged. But we must rejoice as the ultimate joy comes from Christ dwelling within us. He who dwells within us will fulfill everything concerned about us.

God bless you.

1.       Stand fast in the Lord.

2.       Be of the same mind in the Lord.

3.       Rejoice in the Lord always.