How can love affect every aspect of our lives? (Philippians, Colossians)

Phillipians

1:9-10

What effect can love have for us? We all know that it can strengthen our relationships with each other - especially our spouse. What are the other benefits of love. Paul instructs the Phillipians. "And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;"

First, I haven't thought about how love impacts knowledge and judgment. Why would it? How would love affect knowledge and judgment?

I think it's about perspective. If I am seeing the world through the lens of God's love for us, I'll see more than a collection of rivers and trees and flowers and mountains. I'll see a creator who cares about the lives of his children. I'll see the effort that was made in giving us variety in our environment. As I see the beauty around me as an act of love, it builds my relationship with God and Jesus.

Think about how all of the knowledge that you have could be affected by love.

• Assumptions about a person's intentions.

• Appreciating science.

• Handling contention.

• Overcoming trials.

• What to study?

• Giving advice.

• Correcting others.

• How to pray?

• Caring for those in need.

All of these could be affected if approached with love.

Consider how your judgment is affected if done from a place of love.

• How you interpret what someone is saying.

• Determining reality.

• What is really important?

• Making life choices.

• When to criticize?

Why is this so important? "That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God." Through love, we will see clearly those excellent things that we should approve of.

If we are truly filled with love, we will be more sincere. We likely won't offend or be offended. This will lead to our bearing the "fruits of righteousness." Of all the attributes that we should be motivated to develop, love should lead that list.

1:13

"So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places." Paul was grateful to be in bonds so that he could gain the trust of others - including the palace guards. How amazing is that? He is so invested in proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ, he is pleased to be incarcerated. It is giving him additional exposure to others that he may not have been able to reach. I hope to, someday, be this level of disciple!

1:21-24

Paul sees the benefits in life and death. "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." He understands that this life is about living in Christ. Which, has been a tough road for him. I think he would also be happy to die and move onto the next assignment in the spirit world. At least he wouldn't physically suffer like he is suffering in mortality.

He does understand the benefits of staying in mortality. "But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not." He sees what he is doing among the people and appreciates it.

It appears that he doesn't really care if he lives or dies. "For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you." He understands that, for him, it would be better to die. He sees the next life as "far better." However, he understands his responsibility to serve mortal souls. He understands that it is more valuable to the Phillipians that he remain alive and in a position to instruct and strengthen them.

1:29

Paul is writing this letter from jail. He is suffering. He knows that this suffering is part of his belief in Jesus Christ. "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake." For many, believing Jesus Christ means to sacrifice and suffer for him. We may not be experiencing much of that in the church currently but it will happen soon. There will come a day that every one who proclaims belief in Jesus Christ and in his church will suffer.

Our discipleship is more productive through suffering. If the purpose of life is to strengthen ourselves, what good does ease do? It is possible to strengthen our testimonies and knowledge in times of plenty and pleasure. It is much more difficult to strengthen our resolve and power and endurance if there is no suffering. Suffering is part of the purpose of life and we should embrace that as true disciples of Christ.

2:3

"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." Paul is asking them to not be selfish or attempt to impress others. How much of our interactions with our fellow ward members is about attempting to impress? If you ask me, I'd automatically say that I'm not attempting to impress anyone. I often say that I don't really care what others think.

I think, in some ways, I do. I don't care about what strangers think. I do care about how my friends and neighbors view me. I don't want them to think that I'm ignorant or unrighteous. I want to be perceived as a good man and member of the church.

I just need to continually reevaluate my motivations. Am I doing something because it will reflect good on me or am I doing it out of love for the Lord. I think I've got some room to improve here.

I like how he's encouraging people to be "in lowliness of mind." We need to be ever so mindful of how we're viewing ourselves - especially when comparing ourselves. It is good for us to see ourselves as righteous. It is not good if we view ourselves as more righteous than others. It's not healthy. It limits our growth and affects how we view/treat others. It doesn't serve any good purpose if I see myself as better than someone else. It only leads to negative outcomes. The only person I should be comparing myself with is my previous self - always keeping in mind the perfection of Jesus Christ.

2:6

Jesus was made in the image of his Father. "Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God." It wasn't a disrespect to God for Jesus to see himself as having that same godlike potential. As the offspring of God, we are meant to aspire to be like him. It isn't vain or sacrilegious or blasphemy to know that we can become like God.

Many people in other churches see this belief as sacrilege or blasphemy - or, at least, arrogant ignorance. It sounds ridiculous that we put ourselves on the same plane as God.

This one truth about our future has the potential to keep us on the covenant path more than any other truth. It immediately puts things in perspective. No wonder Satan doesn't want this to cross our minds. No wonder Satan has put it in the minds of others that it is blasphemy. It was a capital crime in the time of Jesus to do this. Satan has done a great job of, not only hiding this truth, but making the very thought an offense to God. Well done you devil!

2:7-8

Jesus wasn't concerned about his reputation at any level. "But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Let's put ourselves in Christ's shoes to some degree. If you're reading this, you're likely a privileged person in some way. We live in the US in, comparatively speaking, wealthy conditions. We enjoy many blessings.

Imagine giving those up and being sent to a third world country where you are assigned to be a servant to a city. You would not own a wardrobe or car or house. None of the luxury that you currently enjoy would be available. In fact, the community that you were serving abuses you and ends up killing you. Keep in mind that, at any time, you could opt out and return to your place of comfort in Utah. What level of submissiveness and humility and dedication would it take for you to remain in those conditions because you knew your work would save the city from destruction. It's an interesting thought.

It gives us a glimpse of what Jesus did for us. What he gave up. How much he condescended for us. What he was willing to endure. How much he was committed to his role as Savior. It makes me speechless.

2:13

God can give us what we need to progress. "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." He GIVES us the WILL and the ABILITY to follow Him.

I think many of us think that the will to be obedient comes from inside of us. I know I've thought that for a long time. I'm learning from the scriptures that we must simply have the desire to be good and faith in God that he can make us so. If we simply desire enough to be humble and submit, God will give us the will. He will help us be obedient. The source of our willpower is not from inside of us somewhere. The power of our will comes from God through the Spirit. Our will is strengthened through the gift of the Holy Ghost. We just need to depend on God rather than depend on our willpower. Willpower is a devious word. There is no inherent power in will. The power ultimately comes from Christ.

2:21

It is natural for us to seek our own interests rather than what God wants. "For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s." If we are aware of our natural, selfish desires, we can better see what's happening when our brains default to that. I think, at least for me, it takes a lot of discipline to resist that urge and focus on the needs of others or what God wants. I'll probably be working on that for the rest of my life.

3:4-9

Paul was a "righteous Pharisee." He was strictly obedient. "Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless." If anyone could think that they were masters of themselves, it was Paul. He was nearly perfect in his obedience. His obedience was the foundation of his worthiness. Indeed, he viewed himself as "blameless."

Now that he was converted, he viewed his past perfect obedience and reliance on the law of Moses as his weakness. "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ." Everything that pulled Paul's attention away from Christ was considered "dung."

He saw his works of the past to be a loss. His reliance on himself was a misfire of effort. He was focusing on himself and his self-mastery. The most important thing in his life was his ability to be obedient. Paul was Paul's savior. His life was different now. Instead of his salvation based on his personal righteousness, his salvation was based on the righteousness of Christ. "And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith."

Our source of our salvation is not based on the law. The source is always Christ. Period.

3:13-14

The past is dead. There is no creation or life in the past. Often, we are focused so much on what has happened to us that we do not have the energy to look forward. "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

If Paul was focused on his past, he would possibly be overburdened by guilt or regret or simple sadness that so much of his life was spent in futile efforts of self-salvation. Instead, he is "forgetting those things which are behind." He is simply looking ahead. He is "reaching forth unto those things which are before." Moving forward is important. The key to remember is to move forward TOWARDS SOMETHING SPECIFIC. It's not about random progress. It is only progress if it's progress towards the right destination.

If I take a trip, it doesn't matter if I push my car to the limit if I'm headed in the wrong direction. The destination must be in view. Christ gives us the right destination. He allowed himself to be lifted up so that we know where we are going.

3:17-19

"Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)" What happens to the enemies of Christ?

• Their end is destruction. If we walk our own way rather than the way of Christ - the destination is always the same.

• Their God is their belly. What they desire is their God. What they want is what they worship. What they care about is what is important. Their truth is the only truth.

• Their glory is their shame. What they feel pride about is what they should feel shame over. It's interesting how things get twisted around in their heads. What they think is good is actually bad. Giving up the standards of the Church for their own personal preferences is considered "being true to themselves." It is revered and celebrated. They don't realize that their self-centeredness should be a source of shame rather than something "brave."

• They mind earthly things. Their concerns are for the things of this world. They care about popularity and social reinforcement rather than the approval of God.

4:5

"Let your moderation be known unto all men." This is an interesting thing to say. The footnote says that the Greek is "gentleness." What good what it do to let our gentleness be known unto all men?

I imagine, at this time, that men were tough and strong and possibly hard. It wasn't easy living during those times. I think their default was to be manly - along with everything that goes along with that. I think the women were likely also tough.

To be gentle probably stood out. For them to be meek and humble and teachable and supportive likely was different than the average group. To be selfless and caring was different.

I think it's the same way now. Perhaps in a different way. The current state of affairs in our world and nation is: Intolerance, anger, self-centeredness, contention. The political landscape is fraught with animosity. We bicker with each other through social media. We are easily offended. When we are mistreated, we respond in kind. It seems like everyone's fuse is a little short these days.

For us to be meek and lowly in heart is to be different. Turning the other cheek when offended stands out. Not entering into an argument when invited is uncommon. To respond with charity when mistreated is very rare. I think that our gentleness is what will make us a peculiar people. We wills stand out more and more as the second coming approaches.

4:6

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." What does it mean to a The Greek for this is "Don't be unduly concerned about anything." What's he saying?

I think this is talking about gratitude. We often get worked up over worldly issues. We worry about the things of this world - forgetting that all things will pass away except for the few eternal aspects of mortality.

Instead of being overly concerned about our careers and getting a better house or car or clothes, we should simply be thankful - consistently thinking about the things that we are grateful for and expressing thanksgiving to God.

Let's be less worked up over the temporary things of this world.

4:7

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Our hearts can be protected through the peace of God. I know someone who is filled with despair. He doesn't have hope. He is depressed. He doesn't believe that he has a future. He is sad through and through.

Because he doesn't believe in the plan of salvation and doesn't believe that there is a purpose to life, his problems are overwhelming. He's facing health problems that make him feel hopeless. His heart is full of frustration, fear and even anger.

If he had an understanding of the purpose of life, the plan of salvation and his redemption through Jesus Christ, he would feel peace. His heart would be protected from despair. He could feel peace in the midst of turmoil. He could understand that his suffering also is serving a purpose and is refining him. He could use the trial of his life as source of humility - realizing his dependence on God and Jesus. His faith could grow as he received strength through them.

His physical and mental problems wouldn't disappear. But, he would be better able to endure his current trial. He could feel peace and that peace would help him endure.

4:8, 11

Part of his problem is that he mostly thinks about his problems. The challenges are so overwhelming that he has a hard time thinking about anything else. That's really hard for a mind. It's exhausting.

I am not sure there is a source of good thoughts. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." If we constantly cycle through a series of negative thoughts, of course those thoughts are going to take over. Our problems will be magnified until they seem insurmountable!

But, if we can fill our minds with positive, uplifting, spirit-raising thoughts, we will elevate our thinking and our mood. There is beauty to be found in this world. Sometimes, we just have to try hard to see it. Every one of us has something to be grateful for - it just takes some effort to see it for some.

Paul continues this thought in verse 11 and 12. "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." Paul is saying that he can be content with whatever state he is in. What a gift! Paul was in some pretty dire situations and was able to be content no matter what. We should strive to be that way.

"I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." He is able to be content whether he is abased or when blessings abound.

I'm reminded of someone recently talking about how young African kids can be overjoyed when they receive some rice and clean water. Yet, on the other side of the world, a man can be disgusted that his steak was slightly undercooked. With the right perspective and a healthy amount of gratitude, we can be happy regardless of our current situation.

4:13

There are a few verses in scripture that could help anyone who is struggling. This verse is one of those. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." If we could keep this in mind when we are in the midst of a struggle, it would help.

Does this mean we can accomplish anything through Christ? No. I can't become a professional basketball player through Christ. I can't become a billionaire next year through Christ.

But, I can be strengthened enough to endure any trial. Will the trial be taken away? No. But, I will be able to overcome. I can be strengthened to make it through. If I lose my job or get a divorce or have a serious health problem, I can endure. Jesus can literally strengthen us. It is up to us to exercise faith.

The natural world is filled with random bad things that can happen to anyone. The Lord doesn't protect anyone from the negative events that can happen. We are meant to be on our own - that's one of the main purposes of mortality. However, I believe that God can intervene and strengthen. Is this strengthening part of the natural world? Or does his help just happen just like a sickness or storm? The answer is no. I think, in most cases, God's "interference" happens when he is asked. He gets involved when faith is present. So, does it matter if we ask for help to receive help? Yes it does matter. To be strengthened, we must exercise faith and ask to be strengthened.

Colossians

1:4-5

"Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel." Hope can have some strong effects on us. Hope can drive behavior. Hope can change perspective. Hope can bring peace.

Hope can change how we treat each other. Our common hope that there is a God and that we are his children affects how we see and love each other. Instead of strangers, we are brothers and sisters in Christ. Faith in Christ and love for each other go hand in hand.

These are some of the fruits that come from having faith and hope in the future through Christ. "Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth." True hope changes us. Real hope is more than wishful thinking.

Wishful thinking is dreaming about being a boat captain. Hope is different when coupled with faith. Faith and hope is buying a boat and paying for the training. The fruit of true faith and hope is action. If I have faith and hope in Christ, I will walk the talk.

Ultimately, the faith and hope should be in the "grace of God in truth." Our faith and hope should not be pointed at ourselves. We can't rely on our own strength. We can rely on God's grace being sufficient. Knowing that God's perfect grace is enough to save all of us should inspire the peace that comes from perfect hope.

1:9

"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding." Wisdom and spiritual understanding must go hand in hand with knowing God's will. Our wisdom and understanding doesn't amount to much without seeking God's will in our lives.

Not knowing God's will would be like investing a million dollars in building a pro-level race car and then not knowing where the racetrack is. All of that investment can do nothing unless the car is pointed down the right road. So, with all of our learning, let's be sure we're applying that wisdom in the way that God wants.

1:10

This verse has a basic, three-step roadmap for a righteous life.

1. "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing..." Being obedient to God's commandments is the foundation to a righteous life. This is the covenant path. In all things that we do, we must "walk worthy."

2. "...being fruitful in every good work..." It's not about just being worthy. We must be fruitful. The purpose of our obedience is to shape us into good people. But, obedience without good fruits makes us no better than the Pharisees of Jesus's time. Obedience isn't an end in itself. The purpose of life is not obedience. The purpose of life is to be like Christ - whose fruits were infinite and everlasting.

3. "...and increasing in the knowledge of God." Along the way, we must learn as much as we can about God and his plan for us. I cannot be loyal to anyone before knowing that person. Well, maybe I can for a time but, if things get rough, it is my relationship with God that will strengthen me. Building a real relationship with God begins with building our knowledge of him.

1:11

Being patient in suffering is purifying process. God is eternally patient. We are to be like him. We must develop in our patience and longsuffering. Like the gift of charity, patience is a gift. "Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness." Paul is referring to might and glorious power in relation to developing "patience and longsuffering with joyfulness."

We know we can be strengthened by God. In fact, this is where our strength comes from. We must be strengthened by God's might and power to be joyful in our longsuffering. How important is it to be joyful in longsuffering? Pretty dang important if Paul is writing about it this way. Why though?

All of us will suffer. If our suffering is coupled with joyful patience and longsuffering, that suffering is powerless to discourage or confuse us. We will not become bitter or offended. We will not feel alienated or uncared for.

How important was it for Jesus to be patient and longsuffering? What would have happened if he wasn't? Would he have been able to accomplish his mission? I don't think so. It's the same for us. We can only be successful in our own mission if we are patient and longsuffering in the midst of the imminent trials that will happen to us. To be joyful, no matter our condition, is key in our continuing progression.

1:23

"If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard." I love the phrase grounded and settled. How many of us are not continuing in our faith grounded and settled? I'm learning about people who find an online source of conspiracy about the church and lose their testimony in a week!

If our roots of testimony can be deep, no amount of conflicting accounts will push us off of our course. The case of our testimony should be settled. It's not open for debate. If we continually question whether the church is true, we are like a leaf floating in the random breeze. If we know that the Book of Mormon is true then we know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God and this is God's church. All of our energy should then be focused on becoming a better disciple. If our energy is focused on continual questions, no progress will be made. In fact, it's likely that we'll start heading backwards.

We are built to be curious creatures. If that curiosity leads to question after question about the truthfulness of the gospel, we will become mired in molasses. Settle the question, be grounded in our faith and move forward and not let questions move us "away from the hope of the gospel."

2:8

Along with this thinking, there are hundreds of people who are actively seeking followers. These people have left the church and want to bring as many people to their side as possible. They are smart people who can think critically from the perspective of worldly wisdom. It sounds like it was the same conditions in Paul's day. "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."

The worldly world has it own sets of "rudiments" or basic principles. These rudiments are not unchanging but are evolving constantly through public opinion. Whatever the masses believes becomes fact.

Philosophies can be developed that make sense and appear logical. When these philosophies flatter us, then they become dangerous. For example, "God loves you unconditionally and accepts you just as you are." This philosophy is based in truth but is being used in a flattering way that makes us feel satisfied with who we are right now. It does not inspire repentance and progression.

I could list one hundred of these philosophies that appeal to our vanity but are not the gospel that Christ taught. We should be wary of those who seem to have so much worldly wisdom that is not based on the gospel of Jesus Christ.

2:23

There is a two word phrase in this verse that is really interesting to me. "Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh." The way that it's translated here is hard to understand. If you read the New Living Translation, it reads: "These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person's evil desires."

Paul was talking about the 613 rules in the law of Moses. They were good at altering behavior but not good at changing a person. The rules were not making anyone Christlike. They were worshipping the rules rather than Christ.

Their will, or ability to be obedient, became what they worshipped. Their will became a source of pride. Their will became an idol for them to worship. Their obedience became their God.

It can be the same for us when we focus purely on the rules of the gospel. If we feel pride and accomplishment at being obedient but have little thought about being charitable, we've missed it. We may be disciplined but we may not have pure love for each other.

This is a bad situation to be in because we can go our entire lives feeling we have set sail towards the promised land but we haven't even set foot on the boat.

3:2-3

"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." This is an easy principle to understand but hard to practice. We know that we should care most about our heavenly reward and what we will do in eternity. We all know that. But, the world is always in our face. The world is visible. Heaven is invisible. We must continually reset our perspective and look up to heaven rather than stare straight ahead.

If we can master this, our mortal lives essentially end. We "are dead." Eric, with all of his self-interest and vanity, dies. The being that lives is "hid with Christ." My will truly is consumed by Christ's. I become one with him.

3:16

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." If the "word of Christ dwell in you richly," we will feel desires to share and uplift others. It's part of being a true disciple. We naturally want to strengthen others around us when we are converted. Christ himself said, "when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."

3:19

"Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them." Men have the ability to be harsh. We can be curt and impatient. Women can too but men are more likely to act this way. We just aren't as caring and nurturing. We are less likely to empathize. I've witnessed many men being short with their wives. Paul must have seen this too.

4:5

"Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time." The NLT translation reads, "Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity." When we are among those who are not of our faith, it is especially important that we are a good example. It should be obvious that we are disciples of Christ.

As disciples, if an opportunity arrives to share the gospel, we should "make the most of every opportunity." There will be people placed in our path that will be open to hearing the truth. They will recognize the true gospel quickly - they simply need to be made aware. As we live as disciples and look for opportunities to share, we'll see chances all around us.