(Philippians 1: 20-30)
What can I do? You can ask that question several different ways evoking a different meaning and emotion. One way conveys helplessness and despair. Another way conveys an offer to help and sympathy. A third way can convey that there is nothing that can be done. And, a fourth way can convey a determination with an emphasis on “can”.
Last Sunday, as I was getting ready for church, I was watching the morning show on CBS with Jane Pauley. Jane was interviewing a country music star about something he was doing in spite of, or because of, the pandemic. I don’t remember which, it’s not important. In any event, he was telling Jane that when the Covid-19 virus hit it really upended his world. He had to cancel concert dates, he couldn’t perform in public, he couldn’t go on tour, he couldn’t make money, or as much money as he had planned for this year. For a performance artist this was a real shock to his system. Apparently, it got him down and he was complaining about it to a friend who bluntly asked him: “Is there anything you can do?” You see, like most of us, he was bemoaning all the things he could no longer do because of the pandemic and just wanted things to return to normal. He just wanted his life back. Don’t we all! Understandably, it was a rather self-centered way of looking at things when you consider tens of thousands of people were dying and others were struggling to regain their health. Families disrupted, jobs lost, lives in ruin, the country on edge. Pretty overwhelming stuff to say the least.
I hear it all the time in conversations with friends and family or read it on some social media post. I can’t go on vacation, I can’t see my family, I can’t go to work, I can’t get together with my friends, I can’t go out to dinner, I can’t play golf, I can’t go to the movies, I can’t go to church. I can’t hang out with my friends. I’m not going to live my life this way. You get the idea. A lot of can’ts. That’s what the country musician’s friend was hearing, a lot of reasons why he couldn’t do what he wanted to do, so he told him to focus on what he could do.
And focusing on what he could do is what the Apostle Paul is taking about in our scripture reading for this morning. Paul is telling his Philippian readers, and us, that we may not be able to do what used to do for one reason or another, but think about what you can do as servants of a loving God with what you do have. This letter was written around 61 A.D. by Paul to a church he had planted in Philippi during his second missionary journey, and it was the first church established on the European continent. The church had sent Paul a gift by way of Epaphroditus, one of their members, while Paul was in custody in Rome awaiting trial. As Paul was a Roman citizen, he was probably under house arrest being watched by the Praetorian Guard. So he wrote the letter to thank and encourage them.
Paul says; I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. He’s saying that as much as he wants to be with Christ in glory, he knows there is work do be done as long as there is life in his body. He’s not afraid to die and he knows what lies ahead, and that his future is secure. Paul asks; Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Paul declares his commitment to Christ and God’s mission whether he lives or dies. His reality will not change in life or death, and both mean communion with Christ. In death he will experience gain because he will be even closer to Christ. To live on gives him additional opportunities to advance the gospel. He says; Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me. Paul is either very optimistic that he will be released, or he is trying to assure his Philippian brothers and sisters that everything will be okay and not to worry. He wants them to stand firm in one body and become a unified community of believers. He wants to impress upon them that to live as citizens of the gospel means to find unity in God’s mission and to make it your focus in all you do.
Paul had a lot of plans. He had places he wanted to visit and churches he wanted to plant. And here he sits, under house arrest waiting for his trial which he thinks will result in his release as he has done nothing against the Roman government. It would be easy for him to sit in his room and complain about thwarted plans. Can’t travel, can’t dine out with friends, can’t go to church. But he doesn’t let this stop him. He asks himself what he “can” do. He writes letters to the churches he planted offering encouragement, hope and direction, he receives visitors and helps them plan how to carry on the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. And, he realizes he has a captive audience in his Praetorian guards, so he witnesses to them and tells them all about the gospel of Jesus Christ. What do you want to bet he converted a few? God wanted him to plant some seeds right there in Rome under the emperor’s nose. The guards probably thought as long as he was writing letters and entertaining guests, he wouldn’t be preaching to them, but some probably listened and asked questions.
Even while in captivity, Paul saw a purpose for his still being alive as he continued to serve the Philippians and others within his sphere of influence. And, like Paul, we also need a purpose for living that goes beyond providing for our own physical needs. To those who don’t believe in God, life on earth is all there is, and so it is natural for them to strive for the world’s values; money, popularity, power, pleasure and prestige. And now that they can’t pursue those things, we see them turning on one another in so many destructive and unhealthy ways. So, we take our cue from Paul. We may not be confined to house arrest and under Praetorian Guard so to speak, but for those of us who are being careful in what we do, our movements have been restricted and there are so many things we can’t safely do. So, what can we do? You’re only limited by your imagination. Go through your list of contacts and think about who could use a friendly phone call. There are so many people out there who are isolated and alone, and you may be one of them. Can you imagine how much it would mean to someone if you just called to chat and see how they’re doing? They may be at the end of their rope and the end of their hope feeling that nobody cares if they live or die. Check on your neighbors and see how they’re doing and if there is anything you can do for them. Just the fact that you ask means so much. They may need something, and we may be able to meet those needs. Worried about close human contact? Take a walk and pick up some litter on the side of the road or the beach. Feel useful and productive. Send out some note cards with words of encouragement and comfort. Send somebody a Starbucks gift card. Who wouldn’t appreciate a cup of coffee and a treat? And, while many churches are closed except for doing online services, we are technically open to meet the needs of the less fortunate. We may not be meeting in person, but we are seeing opportunities to serve within our limitations. We should never forget those who suffer, especially during these difficult and distressing times. When our lives are comfortable, we should willingly take a share of someone else’s pain showing the world that the gospel is true and alive, living in and through us. From a Wesleyan perspective, this provides a model for living out a social holiness in which God’s people reflect the ethics of Jesus Christ to the watching world. We can be that presence.
Paul had a purpose for living when he served the Philippians and others. We also need a purpose for living that goes beyond providing for our own physical needs. Whom can you serve or help? What is your purpose for living? What can you do?
Please pray with me.
Have your own way, Lord. Have your own way. You are the potter and we are the clay. Mold us and make us as you would have us be as we prayerfully await your instructions. Send the Holy Spirit to show us what we can do and provide us the guidance and strength to accomplish the tasks. Use us as best you see fit to continue in our efforts to spread your Holy Word to those who need to know and feel your love. Search our hearts and try us today Lord, for you are the potter and we are the clay. In Jesus name, we pray, Amen.