Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me

 Good morning. Back to the book of Philippians. Yesterday we talked about the brethren having trust in God because of Paul's imprisonment speaking the word of God without fear. Some did so out of envy and strife but some from good will. In every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. He said that Christ as always will be exalted in his body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I live – more fruitful labor; and I do not know which to choose. To depart and be with Christ is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. What a conflict! He wasn't wanting to stay for his own sake but for theirs. He wanted to go. I'm sure by now he was very tired of all the struggle. All of the great work he did, and not everyone accepted him. It's hard to keep on when people do not appreciate you. I'm sure all pastors feel that way at times. In the end he decided to remain for their progress. He told them to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether he came or remained absent he would hear that they were standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the Gospel. That is the kind of unity that the church needs. It is not based on our efforts, but God's. There are not too many churches that are united in spirit and mind. You need the first to have the second. Father thank You that the reader conducts himself/herself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. He/she stands firm and strives for the faith of the Gospel.