Philippians 4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
As Paul is winding down this letter to the church at Philippi, he mentions the concern that he has for two prominent women in the church who were at odds with one another and causing a rift within the body. He calls upon an unnamed individual, whom he calls a “yokefellow”, to step in and help them solve this problem. Do you find it surprising that individuals whose names are written in the book of life are having problems with one another that are serious enough for Paul to mention their names in this letter?
Though Paul is concerned over what’s happened between them and the potential harm that it could cause, he was not in the least bit anxious over it. In fact, prior to mentioning the problem, he exhorted the entire church to stand fast in The Lord, or stay on the course of serving The Lord together. He would tell these two women to set aside their personal issues and have the same mind in The Lord. And he would follow these exhortations by reminding the saints to rejoice in The Lord always (and where is Paul writing from?), conduct themselves with moderation, and present every care, be it personal, family or church concern, over to The Lord in prayer, for Emmanuel is both near and here.
May God give to each one of us individually and as a local church these Spirit-filled exhortations that were given to the church at Philippi, for no body of believers is exempt from problems and needing to be reminded of the promise of the peace of God that is the fruit of prayer.
