Jump Start # 483

Philippians 1:3 “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you.”

  This endearing passage of Paul connects three wonderful principles and thoughts together. The Philippian church meant a lot to Paul. They had been there for him in many ways, including financially, especially when others should have but didn’t. Paul didn’t forget. He loved those people and they loved him. And through this verse we learn the value of three great principles. 

  First, it is important to remember others. Our busy schedules don’t afford us much time to do that and as a result we miss out. This is more than just memory lane, it was connecting in spirit to people who made a difference. It’s one thing to remember a kid in the third grade, a long time ago. Maybe you never kept in contact. Maybe you don’t even remember his name anymore. This is not what was going on with Paul. He was remembering a people, a church, that helped him, stood with him and supported him. There was a spiritual connection, a fellowship. These people made a different in Paul’s life.

  Each of us can do that. There has been people who have helped us, encouraged us, taught us and maybe even kicked us in the pants when  we needed it. We remember them. For many of us, we would not be where we are had it not been for those people. I remember people who allowed me to preach when I wasn’t very good. In fact, it was worse than that, it was pitiful. They gave me chance after chance. They encouraged me. They told me to keep trying. Today, I owe so much to those people. Do you remember such in your life? Maybe it was the sweet older Christian, who always smiled when your eyes connected. Maybe it was that one person who stayed and stayed and allowed you to talk and talk and talk. And you did. And it didn’t seem to bother them. Do you remember the person who helped you know the Lord better? Or the person who gave you a chance to teach Bible class? Paul is connecting with those who made a difference.

  The second principle is that Paul was thankful. His remembering made him thankful. These were not bitter memories or old wounds he opened up. Instead, they were precious memories, as we sing that song. Thankful for those people. Thankful they did what they did. Thankful  for their generosity. Thankful for their kindness. Thankful for their time.  Remembering, made Paul thankful.

  Thirdly, Paul was thankful to God. Paul realized that these people were servants of Christ, only doing what all Christians ought to do.  He didn’t thank them first, he thanked God first. It was God who put them together. It was God who allowed their paths to cross. It was God who  put the helpers with those in need. God does that. He’s still doing that today. Remembering made Paul thankful, thankful to God. That should work the same with us. Remember how others have made a difference in our lives ought to make us thankful to God. This is one of the many ways God helps and encourages us—through the lives of others.

  This morning I go to preach the funeral of a friend. I’m honored to call him my friend. We didn’t know each other very long, about four years and there were light years between us, he died at the age of 96, but his kind spirit and gentle ways and soft smiles were always welcome to me. Looking at his body today, brought a tear to my eye. He was dressed in one of his newest suits. He always dressed nice. Under his hands was His Bible. On the top of his hands, his hat. He looked as if he was ready to go to services. This is how I remember him. I thank my God for Rex. He was special. He is now off to the greatest service of all, with all the righteous before the King. The angels will be there. The host of Heaven will be there. He loved the Lord and was a Christian for 83 years, since he was 13 years old. Amazing! Impressive! I wish I knew him longer. I wish I knew him when he was younger. But I am thankful that our paths crossed.

  Thank you, Lord. Thank you, for Rex.

Roger