DAILY BIBLE READING: Jeremiah 30, 31, Philemon 1
“But without thy mind would I do nothing, but thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly” Philemon 1:14 (KJV).
Believers in Christ are of different species in behaviour regardless of their spiritual height. In this community, the prevailing factor is oneness and the currency in the atmosphere is love. Your achievement does not give room for any form of show off. This is because the Captain of this community has modelled the type of lifestyle which is expected among the members of this community. No one is allowed to Lord it over another person, rather, seeks to get everyone along in taking decision especially when it has direct bearing on someone who appears younger in status to you.
Paul, the Apostle, while in prison, came in contact with Onesimus, who was a profitable servant to Philemon in the time past as the record and testimony puts it. “I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and me” v. 10. The community where Paul and Philemon belong is one that does not give to writing off anyone as long as the person still has his breath. He calls the attention of Onesimus’ boss, Philemon to how he met him: “…whom I have begotten in my bonds:” Not only that, he explains the character he exhibited in the past which made him unprofitable to himself and his boss.
Paul is not just a leader in the community but someone who is versed in handling issues which could brew another matter in the community of faith. He thus decides to encourage Philemon to allow the once unprofitable servant to come back home. This admonition would have been coerced but, this great Apostle would not do that. He recognises the consent of Philemon in reaching the final decision. Hear the man whose understanding is deep in the matter of the community: “But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favour you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary” v.14
May I ask you how deep your understanding is in this community of faith? Do you just think because God has used you to impact other people’s life, you could just impose your opinion on other members of the community or you allow them to contribute based on their own “limited” understanding? Please, not that if you fail to place a serious value on the people that God has brought your way, you will sorely miss out of the precious treasure that God has deposited in them to advance the kingdom of God. Make an obvious difference in this community for it to gain increase. You can make this difference through your speech, your giving attitude, care and love for others, your desire to see that people within the community are growing well in all aspects of life- spiritually and physically.
Prayer: Lord, create in me the heart to make a difference and not be bossy in my approach in Christian community.
Rev. Julius Oluwole