For the joy set before us: Philippians 2 part 2

Lesley is guest blogger today, extending a previous discussion of Phil 2, and raising the important issue of joy in obedience:

I think it is clear that Paul is telling his readers that we all have to follow in Christ's footsteps, and that being made Christ-like is quite painful; that ultimate service can lead to ultimate sacrifice and that Paul suspected that this could be his ultimate end - I think that he referred to this when he said that he may be poured out as a libation on the sacrifice, but that it was the faith of the Philippians that was the most important thing and that their faith brought him great joy.

This is is how I read it and I would only say that we have to be careful not to dwell on the hard parts of that whole process and not remember the joy that must be present or it has nothing to do with God at all. I think this is why Paul emphasised his joy - we must actively seek joy - Jesus said that it was for the joy set before Him that He endured the cross and so I think our whole lives need to be lived with this in the forefront of our minds and not get bogged down by the suffering.

It is at moments of extreme tension that it is hard - just as Jesus said in the garden -  and then it must be a case of "Not my will but Yours" knowing full well that the Lord will give us what we need to endure - but we must do that for the joy that is ahead of us still.

I think that the willing obedience of Christ (and therefore Christians) should be both a joyful and a terrifying thing. Joy for what is ultimately ahead of us, fear and trembling at what is immediately ahead of us.
  
I think it is important to keep a balance because the fear and trembling cannot be the only attitude you have - that just leads to defeat and depression and is not achievable as a weak mortal - it is the joy, hope and ultimate victory or reward that must balance that holy fear and trembling - all of which of course is divine and not conjured up by us.