FAITH AND INTEGRATION
Paul’s attitude as discussed in the reading was indeed one of a kind. This is because despite the tough times he was going through, he chose to speak more about Christ than about his predicaments. This shows a high sense of faith integration into Paul’s character as his decision to ignore his troubles was based on the faith that by being concerned about the business of Christ, Christ was in turned concerned about his business (Witherington, 2011, p. 53). This is a sign of Paul’s faith on the words of the Messiah in Matthew 28:19, where Jesus commanded His disciples to go out and preach the gospel and He will be with them. So since Paul was preaching Christ’s gospel, he had faith that Christ was with Him despite the afflictions that may come his way.
The reading also helps portray Paul as a person with a Christ-like mindset. This is because as Paul was going through the persecution from the authorities, he chose to stay focused on the greater goal, that of spreading the gospel of Jesus. This mindset is similar to that of Jesus when He was brought before Herod and Pilate and still chose to speak about His calling rather than defend Himself. Paul further shows this mindset by saying that if he lives, it is for Christ. This submission to the authority that had sent him, Jesus Christ, is similar to Christ’s submission to His Heavenly Father when He says that may God’s will be done while praying at the Mount of Olives. This Christ-like mindset is what we all need to have so as to bring Jesus Christ the praise even when afflictions come our way.
REFERENCES
Witherington, B. (2011). Paul’s Letter to the Philippians: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary.
Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
