The idea had been bubbling away for some time. I think it give another good point of connection during the week, and the ability to communicate to our church in a different way and about a variety of things. At the moment it is focussed on providing a little more depth and application to our Sunday sermon series in Hebrews.
The Unhurried Pastor by Brian Croft and Ronnie Martin is an important reminder for anyone in pastoral ministry, especially those feeling the strain of constant demands. The book challenges the modern ministry mindset, which often equates busyness with success, and instead offers a call to slow down, embrace limitations, and find strength in resting in Christ. There’s lots of thoughtful insights and practical wisdom. Croft and Martin help pastors rediscover a more sustainable and spiritually enriching way to lead.
Embracing Limitations
One of the foundational ideas in The Unhurried Pastor is the importance of accepting our limitations. Many ministers are driven by the desire to meet everyone’s expectations—whether those of their congregation, community, or even themselves. But this endless striving only leads to burnout and frustration. Croft and Martin remind us, drawing from the words of John Calvin, that “true and sound wisdom consists in two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves” (p. 3). This is a important point. When we are deeply aware of both who God is and who we are, we understand that our limitations are not failures—they’re a natural part of being human.
Embracing limitations doesn’t mean we’re less effective; it means we’re leaning into God’s design. Instead of trying to be everywhere and do everything, we can rest in the truth that God is sovereign. The weight of the world—or the church—is not on our shoulders. When pastors accept their limits, they’re able to give more genuine attention to what truly matters, letting God’s strength work through their weaknesses. I will admit, this is something that can be hard to actually put into practice and I often need to remind myself of this.
Redefining Productivity
In a culture that prizes productivity, it’s easy to fall into the trap of measuring ministry success by how much gets done. The more programs, meetings, and events, the better—right? Croft and Martin challenge this assumption by encouraging pastors to redefine productivity in ministry. “True productivity in ministry is about being rather than doing” (p. 14), they write, pointing to the familiar story of Mary and Martha as a guiding example.
Martha, in her busyness, missed the opportunity to sit at Jesus’ feet, while Mary chose the “better” portion by simply being present with Him. This story resonates with those who find themselves caught in a cycle of activity, running from one task to the next. The reality is that ministry is not about how many meetings are attended or how many tasks are accomplished. Instead, it’s about nurturing a relationship with Christ and leading others to do the same. By spending time in His presence, pastors can lead from a place of spiritual depth, rather than out of a need to prove their worth through endless busyness.
For many of us, there’s a temptation to prioritise what’s urgent over what’s important. However, Croft and Martin remind us that spiritual productivity isn’t about ticking off tasks; it’s about being deeply rooted in Christ and allowing our ministry to flow from that relationship. This shift requires a rethinking of how we approach our day-to-day and week-to-week responsibilities, but as I’ve recognised, essential for a more sustainable ministry.
Authentic Vulnerability
Vulnerability has become a bit of a buzzword in leadership circles (thanks Brene Brown?), with many encouraging pastors to be more open about their struggles. But as Croft and Martin point out, there is a subtle but significant difference between authentic vulnerability and a curated image of vulnerability. The authors caution against the temptation to appear vulnerable without truly being transparent: “There is a difference between presenting oneself as a vulnerable and transparent pastor, rather than a vulnerable and transparent person” (p. 21).
True vulnerability in ministry goes beyond the occasional mention of a struggle in a sermon or casual conversation. It’s about consistently living with honesty before God and others, even when it feels risky. Authentic vulnerability builds trust, both with God and with the congregation, because it shows a pastor who is fully human—dependent on God’s grace like everyone else. Croft and Martin encourage pastors to be more “psalmist-like,” laying their true selves before God in prayer and letting go of the need to maintain an image of invulnerability. When pastors model this kind of vulnerability, they help create a culture of authenticity within their church communities, where people feel safe to bring their own struggles and burdens to God.
Rest and Renewal
For me, perhaps the most important message in The Unhurried Pastor is the call to rest. In a world that glorifies hustle and productivity, the idea of rest can feel like a luxury—or even a weakness. Yet Croft and Martin emphasise that rest is not optional for those in ministry; it’s essential. They draw from the biblical pattern of Sabbath, reminding us that God built rest into the very fabric of creation. “The unhurried pastor knows Jesus is the Chief Shepherd over his church… It is only when a frantic, hurried pastor actually lets go that he truly rests” (p. 128).
This kind of rest goes beyond simply taking a day off. It’s about a deep trust in God’s sovereignty, a willingness to release control and believe that God can and will sustain the ministry. When pastors neglect rest, they’re often trying to prove their worth by staying busy, or they’re afraid of what will happen if they’re not constantly ‘doing ministry’. But true rest comes when we let go and trust that God is in control. Rest, as Croft and Martin describe, is an act of faith—faith that God is capable of shepherding His people even when we’re not present.
For pastors, this means regularly stepping away from the demands of ministry to replenish their souls, whether through prayer, time in Scripture, or simply enjoying life outside of pastoral duties. Without this regular rhythm of rest and renewal, burnout is inevitable. But when pastors take time to rest, they return to their work with greater clarity, energy, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Conclusion
The Unhurried Pastor is a timely and necessary reminder for those in pastoral ministry to slow down, embrace their humanity, and rest in God’s grace. Croft and Martin offer an alternative to the relentless demands of modern ministry (and life!), reminding us that our value is not in what we accomplish, but in who we are in Christ. By accepting our limitations, prioritising our relationship with God, and leading from a place of rest, we can experience a more sustainable and impactful ministry.
As Croft and Martin conclude, “Pastors don’t need to be perfect or have it all together. They simply need Jesus” (p. 142). This truth is what sustains ministry—not our own efforts, but God’s grace working through us. For any pastor feeling the weight of their role or the pace of their life, this book offers practical wisdom and encouragement to embrace a slower, more sustainable approach to ministry.
Angels are a subject that often fascinates our culture. From their depictions in art and literature to their appearances in pop culture, angels are often portrayed as powerful, mysterious beings. Shows like “Supernatural” or “Touched by an Angel” present them as celestial figures with their own personalities and missions, often serving as intermediaries between heaven and earth. Even in music, with songs like Robbie Williams’ “Angels,” we see them as symbols of hope and protection. Yet, as captivating as these portrayals are, the Bible gives us a much deeper understanding of angels and their role in God’s kingdom.
In the opening chapter of Hebrews, we find this truth: as significant as angels are, Jesus, the Son of God, is far greater.
This isn’t just a theological point but begins to form our understanding of the greatness of the salvation Jesus offers. The writer of Hebrews makes this clear by emphasising the supremacy of the Son over angels, which sets the stage for the rest of the letter.
Jesus Is Greater Than the Angels
Hebrews 1:5-14 focuses on establishing the supremacy of Jesus over the angels. The author does this by weaving together a series of Old Testament references—seven in total—to demonstrate that Jesus has always been greater than the angels.
1. The Reality of Angels
The Bible doesn’t question the existence of angels; it assumes their reality. They are mentioned throughout Scripture as servants of God, carrying out His will. Angels protected Abraham (Genesis 19:1), delivered the Law to Moses (Acts 7:53), ministered to Elijah (1 Kings 19:5), and announced the birth of Jesus to Mary (Luke 1:26-38) and Joseph (Matthew 1:20-21). They even ministered to Jesus after His temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:11). In Revelation 5:11-12, we see angels worshipping Jesus, declaring His worthiness to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honour, glory, and praise. Yet, despite their importance, they are never the focus of worship; that honour belongs to Jesus alone.
2. The Son’s Greater Name
The first point the writer makes is that Jesus’ name is far greater than any angelic name. In Hebrews 1:5, the author quotes Psalm 2:7 and 2 Samuel 7:14 to show that Jesus is uniquely identified as the Son of God. No angel has ever been given this title. The name of Jesus signifies His divine authority and unique relationship with the Father.
3. The Son is Worshipped by Angels
Hebrews 1:6-7 makes it clear that the angels worship Jesus (cf. Revelation 5:11-12). These divine celestial beings, who themselves are holy and God’s light, bow before Jesus, recognising His divine authority. This reinforces the idea that Jesus is not just another spiritual being; He is the object of angelic worship.
4. The Son’s Exaltation
Jesus has been exalted to the right hand of God, a position higher than the angels. This idea is supported by several Psalms (Psalm 45:6-7; 102:25-27; 110:1) quoted by the writer. The right hand of God is a place of supreme honour and authority, and it is here that Jesus is seated, ruling over all creation, including the angels.
5. Angels as Servants
Finally, Hebrews 1:14 tells us that angels are sent to serve those who will inherit salvation. This highlights their role as servants, not rulers. Their purpose is to assist in the unfolding of God’s plan, particularly in the lives of those who are saved by Jesus. This service again highlights the salvation Jesus offers, how it is so much greater that angels are sent to aid in its fulfilment.
This first chapter of Hebrews serves as a powerful reminder: while angels are significant in God’s plan, they are not to be worshipped or revered above Jesus.
The Son of God is far greater.
He is the one whom the angels worship, and He is the one who holds the universe together.
As we move into Hebrews chapter 2, we’ll see why this salvation that Jesus brings is something we must never neglect.
This is a series through the Letter to the Hebrews, based on sermons I have preached over the course of our sermon series. For other posts in this series please see:
In a recent article in The Age, Caroline Wilson explores a cultural shift in AFL coaching, where many top candidates have turned down the West Coast senior coaching position to prioritise family and personal well-being. This made me reflect on the parallels between the pressures faced by AFL coaches and those in pastoral ministry. Though these two fields operate in completely different arenas, they do share a number of common challenges around leadership, sacrifice, and the weight of responsibility.
The Weight of Leadership
In both AFL coaching and pastoral ministry, the role of a leader carries significant weight. For coaches, this involves the strategic management of a team, guiding players toward success while being under the constant scrutiny of fans and media. For pastors, the responsibility lies in shepherding a congregation, guiding them in their faith, and providing wisdom during life’s challenging moments. The Bible speaks to this in Luke 12:48, where Jesus says, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded.” This isn’t just about material wealth but applies equally to those entrusted with leadership—whether on the field or in the church. Leadership demands much, and with it comes the pressure to meet those demands faithfully.
The Relentless Pressure
Wilson’s article highlights the high-pressure environment that AFL coaches endure, where every decision is analysed and critiqued. Pastors, depending on the season, can also operate in a similarly intense environment. The spiritual well-being of a congregation rests, in part, on their shoulders. The Apostle Paul understood this pressure well, when he shares in 2 Corinthians 11:28 that beyond his external trials, he faced “the daily pressure of concern for all the churches.” This type of pressure is sometimes relentless and requires both AFL coaches and pastors to have a strong foundation—whether it’s in their strategy, their faith, their identity, or all of the above.
Sacrifices for Family
One of the themes highlighted by Wilson is the decision by many coaches to prioritise their families over the senior coaching job. For pastors, this is similar. Ministry demands can easily encroach upon personal and family life, leading to burnout if not managed carefully. It’s a delicate balance, where one must constantly weigh the call to serve against the needs of those closest to them. However, the decision to prioritise family reflects a biblical principle found in 1 Timothy 3:4-5, where leaders in the church are instructed to manage their households well, for if they cannot do that, “how can they take care of God’s church?” This is a reminder that commitment to church leadership is balanced with a commitment to family.
Mentorship and Influence
AFL coaches are often seen as father figures or mentors to their players, providing guidance not just in the sport but in life. As spiritual shepherds, pastors seek to guide their congregation toward deeper faith and worship of God. The influence they have is often more significant than we realise, helping to shape those who lead. In Proverbs 4:23 we read, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” For pastors, and perhaps coaches too, this is helpful wisdom; influence must flow from a place of integrity and care for those they lead. In a way, both are in the business of heart work—coaches on the playing field and pastors in the field of the soul.
The Ultimate Sacrifice
At the core of both AFL coaching and pastoral ministry is the concept of sacrifice. Wilson highlights how even lucrative and prestigious coaching positions are being passed over in favour of personal happiness and family commitments. In ministry, this sacrificial nature is a direct reflection of the gospel itself. The ultimate act of sacrifice is found in Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for the sake of others. Philippians 2:7-8 describes how Jesus
“made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”
This is the model for all Christian leadership: a life that prioritises the well-being of others, even at personal cost.
Upon reflection, the challenges faced by AFL coaches are not entirely different from those encountered in pastoral ministry. Both roles require a balance of responsibility, the ability to endure pressure, and a heart willing to make sacrifices for the greater good. As pastoral leadership evolves, it’s crucial that those who lead do so with wisdom, resilience, and a deep commitment to the people they serve—always drawing strength and inspiration from the sacrificial love of Christ. This love, exemplified by Jesus on the cross, is the ultimate guide for anyone called to lead, whether in a sporting arena or a place of worship.
If you’d like to read the full article from Caroline Wilson in The Age that inspired this post you can do so here (may be behind a pay wall).
The world is constantly changing, sometimes rapidly. Take technology for example. Remember when floppy disks were cutting-edge? Those little square disks held all our data and seemed revolutionary at the time. Then came CDs, USB drives, and portable hard drives. Now, we store and share data wirelessly through this mysterious cloud, data centres in various parts of the world. This evolution is a reminder that things change, often quickly, and how what was once essential can become no longer.
In the opening verses of Hebrews, this idea of change is made front and centre. The writer introduces us to a new season in which God has revealed Himself in a way that surpasses all previous revelations—through His Son, Jesus.
Jesus Is the Great Son
In Hebrews 1:1-4, we read:
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
These verses highlight the supremacy of Jesus. He is greater than all who came before, the ultimate way in which God has chosen to reveal Himself.
God is a God Who Speaks
From the very beginning, God has been speaking. Genesis 1:3 tells us, “God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” God continues to communicate with His creation, including us, giving instructions and maintaining a relationship with us. He is not distant; He is present, like a friend who is always just a call away, ready to help whenever we need it.
Yet, despite God’s openness, we often hide from Him, just as Adam and Eve did in the garden after their rebellion. They were afraid, so they hid, but God sought them out. Similarly, when we realise our own shortcomings, we tend to withdraw, but God seeks us out, desiring a restored relationship. He wants to comfort and reassure us. The question is, do we have open hearts to hear from Him?
God Spoke Through the Prophets
In the past, God communicated through prophets in various ways. He spoke to Abraham in a vision (Genesis 15:1), to Moses through a burning bush (Exodus 3:2-4), to Samuel through a dream (1 Samuel 3:4-10), and to David through the prophet Nathan (2 Samuel 7:4-5). When we receive important news it may come via personal letter but probably via email or text or a phone call. Whatever the case, the message or important news is communicated to you. In the Old Testament, God’s messages were relayed through His prophets.
God Speaks Through His Son
But now, in these last days, God speaks to us through His Son. The writer of Hebrews emphasises that we are in a new era. The end times began with Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and they will continue until Jesus returns. From this time on Jesus is final and complete revelation of God. As we seek to hear God’s voice and know His will, we turn to Jesus.
Hebrews 1:2-4 gives us insight into the Son’s place and role. Jesus is the heir of all things, the creator and sustainer of the universe, and the exact representation of God’s being. He holds the universe together with His powerful word and sustains us.
Jesus’ role is further confirmed by His actions. He provided purification for our sins through His death on the cross, allowing us to draw near to God with sincere hearts and the assurance that comes from faith. Though it might seem strange to modern ears, the concept of being cleansed by Jesus’ blood is deeply rooted in Scripture, from the sacrificial system of the Old Testament to the teachings of the New Testament.
Conclusion
Finally, we see Jesus exalted, seated at the right hand of God (1:4). This position confirms His superiority over everything that came before Him. Jesus, as the heir, sustainer, and purifier, is greater than the angels, the Law, Moses, the prophets, and the priests.
Just as floppy disks and CDs have been replaced by more advanced technology, the old ways of understanding God have been surpassed by the ultimate revelation through His Son. Jesus isn’t just an update; He’s the final word, the complete picture of who God is and what He desires for us.
The encouragement for us is simple: listen for His voice, trust in His authority, and worship Him as the sustainer of our world. We are to live in the light of His exaltation, seek His presence daily, and reflect His glory in all that we do.
This is a series through the Letter to the Hebrews, based on sermons I have preached over the course of our sermon series. For other posts in this series please see:
Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation by Ruth Haley Barton
Barton explores how to create a rhythm of spiritual practices that nourish the soul and bring a sense of peace and balance. The book emphasises the importance of solitude, prayer, and other disciplines to maintain spiritual vitality and avoid burnout.
Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs by Steve Cuss
Cuss addresses the common issue of anxiety in leadership, offering strategies to manage personal and organisational anxiety. The book provides practical tools to create a healthier, more effective leadership environment.
Croft and Martin challenges the conventional notions of productivity in ministry, advocating for a more sustainable approach. They provide practical guidance for pastors to slow down, prioritise their well-being, and maintain long-term ministry effectiveness.
Pastoral Perseverance by Brian Croft and James Carroll
Brian Croft and James Carroll strengthen pastors by pointing them to God’s word for help in facing the unique challenges of pastoral ministry in the modern day so that they will not merely survive, but stay, endure, and even thrive.
Zeal without Burnout by Christopher Ash
Ash addresses the risk of burnout in ministry, offering practical advice for maintaining zeal and passion without sacrificing personal health and well-being. The book emphasises the importance of rest, boundaries, and reliance on God.
Spurgeon’s Sorrows: Realistic Hope for those who Suffer from Depression by Zack Eswine
Eswine delves into the life and struggles of Charles Spurgeon, offering hope and practical advice for those suffering from depression. The book combines historical insights with pastoral care principles to support those experiencing mental health challenges.
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero
Scazzero argues that true spiritual maturity requires emotional health. He provides a framework for integrating emotional and spiritual growth, offering practical steps to address emotional issues and foster a healthier spiritual life.
Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Cal Newport
Newport discusses how to achieve sustainable productivity without succumbing to burnout. He explores the principles of slow productivity, which prioritise meaningful work and long-term success over immediate results and constant busyness.
Burnout: A Guide to Identifying Burnout and Pathways to Recovery by Gordon Parker
Parker provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, identifying, and recovering from burnout. The book offers strategies for self-care, stress management, and developing resilience to prevent future episodes of burnout.
HBR Guide to Beating Burnout by Harvard Business Review
This guide compiles insights and strategies from various experts to help professionals recognise the signs of burnout and take proactive steps to address it. The book covers practical approaches to managing stress and improving work-life balance.
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
Comer addresses the problem of busyness, arguing that it hinders spiritual health and well-being. He advocates for a slower, more intentional life through practices like Sabbath, simplicity, and solitude to align more closely with God’s purposes and experience deeper meaning.
Have you ever found yourself at the point where you realised whatever you’re doing isn’t worth the time, energy, or effort to continue, so you quit?
Many of us have experienced this with various things in life, like gym memberships, growing a veggie patch in our yard, or even more significant commitments like jobs or relationships. It’s a common human experience.
We’ve begun a new sermon series at our church where we’re diving into the book of Hebrews, a letter that inspires and encourages us not to quit but to persevere in our walk with Jesus.
The central message of Hebrews is that Jesus is greater than all. He is the ultimate revelation of God, providing us with everything we need for our souls, life, and faith. This then leads to the constant encouragement to not give up, to not quit the faith, but to keep on keeping on.
If you’ve ever signed up for a gym membership, then you may have experienced something of the following. You sign up inspired to get healthy, turn up 3-4 times per week, and want to make use of the classes on offer or the swimming pool in the complex. But about 6 weeks in, the results aren’t there. Another 6 weeks later, you realise you haven’t attended in a while, and then 6 weeks after that, you realise you’re paying a good amount of money for nothing. So, you quit. You give up on it.
In our faith we may be tempted to do the same. We get some months or years or even decades down the road of faith and drift. We drift so much, we decide it’s not true, or not worth the time, or we’re not longer convinced it’s worth it.
This is where the message of Hebrews comes in. It is written to encourage us not to give up, but to persevere in light of who Jesus is and what he has done for us. It is written with teachings, with warnings, and with encouragements to help us do just that. To keep going.
This sermonic letter opens with a majestic declaration:
“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” (Hebrews 1:1-3)
As the letter progresses, we see that Jesus is greater than the angels, Moses, the priests, and the old sacrificial system. He is our Great High Priest, who mediates between God and his people, and offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice once and for all. This truth is at the heart of our faith and is written to give us the strength to keep going.
Toward the end of the book Hebrews 12:1-2 says the following to continue this encouragement:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
In our faith journey, we might face moments where we want to quit due to life’s challenges, doubts, or our own shortcomings. But we are not alone. We are surrounded by a ‘great cloud of witnesses’—those who have gone before us and those walking alongside us. Most importantly, we have Jesus, who endured the cross for us and intercedes for us.
The continued encouragement is to commit to running the race of faith with faith, fixing our eyes on Jesus, and drawing strength from His example and the community of believers around us.
I look forward to sharing more on Hebrews in coming months as we explore this book.
We know when people work together in unity much can be achieved. There is a bond together, there is a goal to achieve, there is progress made, sometimes quite rapidly, when people are united.
We may have experienced this before ourselves when working with others on a particular task, on a particular project, or toward a particular goal. We might even look at the natural world and think of the ant colony that works together in various lines to sustain themselves, or birds flying in a V formation to make a flight easier, or lionesses hunting in packs to capture their prey.
When in community with others being united is important in achieving common goals and objectives. And for the church at Philippi, to not crumble under the pressure they are facing, Paul presses on them the need to be united at the end of chapter one, verse 27.
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel…”
Reflecting The Gospel In Unity
Paul names the unity of the church as a way for the church to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel.
This is how the gospel is displayed, through the unity of believers.
Whether Paul is with them or not, that in the end doesn’t matter. What does matter is that the conduct worthy of the gospel will be displayed through the church’s unity and togetherness.
The church in Philippi is under some pressure and persecution. We read in v28 of some opponents and Paul’s word to the church is, “to stand firm in one Spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel, not being frightened in any way by your opponents.”
As the church stands firm, and are of one accord, through the work of the Holy Spirit, then in their striving together they are contending for the faith. In their unity they are displaying the unity they have in the gospel, in Christ. In their unity they are conducting themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel.
Disunity In The Church
In my experience of church life I have seen and experienced plenty of disunity within the church. So much so I wonder what I’m still doing here sometimes. You may well know or have experienced times when a church has not been united either. And when this occurs, when there is disunity in the church, things can go wrong, very wrong.
The conduct of people goes awry,
The idea of where the church should be putting its energies gets pulled this way and that.
There is commonly some relational breakdown.
It becomes a very poor witness to the Christian community, let alone the wider community.
And the main thing no longer becomes the main thing. The gospel is sidelined, pettiness and gossip increase, and it becomes awkward and awful for many.
When we read the scriptures we are encouraged and challenged toward unity by these words of Paul. As we seek to conduct ourselves worthy of the gospel may we be people who stand firm in the Spirit and in one accord contending together for the faith of gospel.
In today’s polarised society, achieving this unity can seem like an uphill battle.
Unity In An Age of Polarisation
Like the Philippians, we face growing skepticism of Christianity in our society. The secular nature of our society may sometimes conflict with gospel-worthy conduct, creating tension. Furthermore, our era is characterised by extreme polarisation, where civil discourse has been replaced by a binary divide, fostering an us-versus-them mentality.
The challenge we face is how we can maintain unity amid the cacophony of differing opinions and debates. A congregation of 150-200 people will naturally hold differing views, much like any friend or family group. Yet, this must not deter us from seeking unity in our common faith while still encouraging healthy dialogue and disagreement.
As we navigate complex societal issues like:
government and political ethics
euthanasia
race and discrimination
personal and corporate justice
substance use
relationship dynamics
reproductive technologies
sexuality and gender issues
economic disparities
health matters
environmental stewardship
and for us in Australia this year – the Voice to Parliament
We must constantly ask ourselves how to live in a manner worthy of the gospel. It is not about agreement on all matters but upholding the spirit of unity and love as taught by Christ.
As we live in the reality whereby issues such as these are part of our lives and culture how do we remain united around the gospel while wrestling with these things?
Love On Display
Thankfully Paul writes about this unity in a few places in his letters, and he speaks no better about unity than in 1 Corinthians 12 and 13. Beginning with the illustration of the church being one body with many parts he moves on to his most crucial point regarding unity–love. In 13:4-8 we read,
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
It is love which is most central to unity, it is love which is most central to Paul, and it is love which is most central to our faith. It is the “more excellent way” as he writes in 1 Corinthians 12:31.
Christians are to be marked by love and to be unified by love.
That love is best displayed when we head to the cross.
That sacrificial, God-exalting, sinner-redeeming love is most clearly seen through Jesus’ death and unifies all believers to love others rather than themselves.
Why is it that churches split, that conflict occurs, that disunity abounds?
It is because there is no Christ-like love.
On the other hand, why does unity occur?
It is because there is love.
It’s not actually unity through diversity that Paul is calling for here, which for some is a common catch-cry, it’s actually unity through love.
And through the cross of Christ and the love of Christ unity is found.
As people, and as the Church, who are conducting ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel may we be encouraged and challenged to be united through the message of Christ, and in so doing display the love of Christ.
This post is part of an ongoing series where we dive into the themes, messages, and lessons found throughout the book of Philippians. For earlier posts please see:
According to several scientific studies conducted about first impressions, it takes seven seconds for the human brain to create an impression about someone upon first meeting them. And in that initial meet every second is important in creating a good impression. Unfortunately, first impressions can only be made once and it is over in a matter of seconds, meaning that the short interaction can have a lasting impact. Think about where this might make an impact say in a job interview, or on a date, or even when going to church for the first time. Impressions are made quickly. And the way a person conducts themselves, even in those first brief seconds of interaction, can have a lasting impact on how they are perceived.
In Philippians 1:27-30 Paul, the writer of this letter, presses upon his audience the importance of conducting themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel. He isn’t aware of these scientific studies about how quickly people might form opinions of others, but he is aware that the gospel impacts the conduct of a believer.
An Exhortation
In v27 Paul gives his first exhortation to the church in Philippi.
v27-30 is one whole sentence in its original language but try speaking that in English and seeing how you go. And if you’re someone who enjoys knowing the technical detail of scripture then know that it is from this opening line, the opening sentence in English, that everything else hangs off. Like a wardrobe, the beginning of v27 is the bar across wardrobe and the rest is on hangers.
Different English translations have sought to express the exact nature of what Paul is saying here, some say, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” The one I tend to use, the CSB, says, “Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
We’re essentially hearing the same thing just in different words. Paul wants to get across the fact that as citizens of Christ’s kingdom, as the people of God, the Philippians are to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the message of Christ.
And this is the encouragement, to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel, because it is through the gospel we are shaped.
The Gospel On Repeat
The gospel, the good news of what God has done in Christ, is of such importance for Paul that he can’t help but keep it on repeat.
Back in the olden days when people would use CD players you would hit a button and it would allow you to repeat the song over and over. Now we have a similar button in the music app on our phones. When we enjoy a song, when we want to hear the song again and again, then we put it on repeat.
For us as Christians we need the gospel on repeat.
It reminds us of what God has done in Christ.
It allows us to enjoy the good news of the gospel again and again.
We constantly need the gospel on repeat in our lives for it to keep making an impact because if we’re honest we’re prone to forget it too.
We don’t just accept the gospel and move on with our lives, no, we need the gospel again and again and again. We need to hear the story of the gospel, the message of the gospel, of God’s great plan of salvation for us through his Son Jesus, again and again.
Paul recognises this and keeps reminding the church about this. Everything is founded on the gospel and the gospel impacts everything (Philippians 1:5, 8, 12, 16, and 27).
The Gospel On Display
The gospel shapes our conduct, our behaviour, our attitudes, and our lives will display just how central the gospel is to us.
As Carolyn Mahaney, pastor wife and author has written,
“Our conduct has a direct influence on how people think about the gospel. The world doesn’t judge us by our theology; the world judges us by our behaviour. People don’t necessarily want to know what we believe about the Bible. They want to see if what we believe makes a difference in our lives.”
And CS Lewis speaks in a similar, albeit in a negative way, saying,
“When we Christians behave badly, or fail to behave well, we are making Christianity unbelievable to the outside world.”
The gospel shapes us.
The gospel displays us.
And so the exhortation comes from Paul, that because we are gospel citizens, because we are gospel people, then we are to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel.
This post is part of an ongoing series where we dive into the themes, messages, and lessons found throughout the book of Philippians. For earlier posts please see:
I had the privilege of having a piece about our Bible reading and the guilt we often feel with it published at YMI. In the article I talk about how we often feel guilty because we make plans to read our Bible’s and connect with God but aren’t consistent. I try to make the point that we shouldn’t feel guilty because we aren’t in a performance-based faith. I say things like,
Perhaps you’re like me. You start off the new year with a plan to follow—to finish the whole Bible in one year. But by the time the third week of January rolls around, you’re three days behind, equivalent to 12 to 15 chapters to catch up on. The doubt about actually doing this in the first place creeps in. The guilt of not doing what you said you’d do piles up.
And suddenly, you find yourself questioning whether your relationship with God is actually where you thought it was.
joncoombs.com 