"The basic principle of spiritual life is that our problems

Paul says;

It was tempting this morning to just tell a sweet story about positive thinking . . . .

Paul was most probably in prison when he wrote this (depending upon whether you believe the letter to the Philippians is a unified whole or a collection of several letters). See Crossan and Reed, IN SEARCH OF PAUL, p. 272ff

Fear of execution.

If I were writing a letter in prison I would probably say, "Okay folks, its time to get together and give me a little help here, convince the judge I'm innocent, bribe the guards to get me out, or break-in and spring me!"

But Paul doesn't say this, he encourages them to be united, tells them to rejoice, and to stay focused on the good.

This is not just mere positive thinking - this is positive living in the midst of adversity!

Let's examine this letter with this context in mind:

Intimate language one speaks to friends. This is not a generic form letter.

Notice the respect and concern Paul has for these women colleagues of his!

Who were these two women? House-church leaders, perhaps.

Disagreements should not hinder unity.

Rejoice, even in prison. This is more than just a cute camp song.

Rejoice, even though you may be executed tomorrow.

Gentleness for all to see!

Even in prison, God is near.

Do not worry, rather take your concerns/needs to God and then let go of them! This from someone who was doing this daily, if not hourly!

The purpose of this is not so that God will grant your every wish, as if God were a divine Santa Clause, but so that you might really let go and move into peace.

Then Paul says to focus on these things: (remember the context!)

Each one of these could be a sermon.

Was he speaking to the Philippians or to himself?

"The basic principle of spiritual life is that our problems become the very place to discover wisdom and love." (Jack Kornfield, A PATH WITH HEART, p. 71)

The way of freedom and joy is paved with adversity.

Jack Kornfield writes that,

Christian mystics might say this is true for developing our Christ consciousness.

In a similar vein the Sufi poet Rumi writes about a priest who has been robbed and mugged, yet prays for his tormentors. Why does he do this?

As found in Kornfield, A PATH WITH HEART, p. 74

Resources for this work:

1) Our own wisdom and compassion. Our power to awaken and stay awake.

2) Our freedom; our power to choose. The power of an awakened mind and attentive heart.

3) Our power to change our relationship to the problem or difficulty we are facing.

Kornfield writes;

An eighth-century Indian Buddhist teacher named Shantideva wrote the following short poem that beautifully expresses this awakening:

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Sovereign, my beloved.

I entreat Eu-o'dia and I entreat Syn'tyche to agree in Christ. And I ask you also, true yokefellow, help these women, for they have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Rejoice in God always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Sovereign is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.