Philippians 3:1 "Reminders"

I realize it has been almost two years since I have posted anything. Rather than divulge all of the details of those years, I am more excited to start typing what God is teaching me.

This morning I read through the first half of Philippians 3. One of the verses that stood out most was:

Phil. 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe. (NKJV)

There are four relationships I thought of as I meditated on this verse: parent-to-child, child-to-parent, Christ follower-to-Christ follower, and God-to-His children.

Regarding parent-to-child, God has been pushing me more and more to sharpen my focus on my parenting. As I read this verse this morning, it reminded me of how frustrated I get when I have to repeat instructions to my children. Can you hear it: "How many times do I have to tell you?" From now on, when I am feeling frustrated in that way, I am going to remind myself of a few things from this verse in Philippians:

1. My instructions are for my children's safety. (mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual) If I truly love them, I will continue to bring reminders in order to keep them safe.
2. Paul said it was not tedious for him to repeat himself. I think this shows how much love he has for his brothers and sisters in Christ. As we begin to love our children more, repeating instructions will become less tedious, and more heart-warming with love toward them.

Regarding the child-to-parent relationship, we should not get frustrated with parents who repeat things to us. Instead, we should recognize that this is a show of their great love for us. In most cases, their aim is to keep us safe. Being patient with our parents' reminders is also a way to show respect and honor toward them.

Christ follower-to-Christ follower: it is often difficult to confront a loved one with a sin issue. But we are called to rebuke, encourage and edify one another in our walk with Christ. The church discipline process is made up of adding more and more people to repeat to a rebellious sinner where he is going wrong (Matt. 18:15-17). There are also verses pertaining to a more one-on-one level of reminding others of God's Word. (Gal. 6:2, Eph. 5:19, Matt. 5:23-24) Titus 3:10-11 says: "Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned." (NKJV) This verse shows us the necessity of reminders to one another.

Finally, as children of God,  reminders are God's way, as our Father, of showing that He wants to keep us safe. We all need reminders, don't we? Even if we are sometimes irritated by them. Can you hear it: the sigh of air that blows out of your lips? Can you see it: your eyes rolling as you think in your mind "I know...I know. I've heard this all before." Or, perhaps we are convicted by some reminders, and we become too defensive to talk about or mentally consider what is being said.

We shouldn't blow off something we've read or heard over and over again. One way to handle this could be to still our minds and bodies for a few moments, and allow God to bring a fresh meaning with the reminder. In this way, we show reverence to God as our spiritual Dad, reverence to His Word, and an understanding that we most certainly do not know it all.

I believe you will rejoice in the Lord all the more as God brings a greater love inside of you for your children, your parents, for our Father, and as you humble yourself to accept the reminders He places before you!