I once heard somebody say that if you are tired of having people step on your face, then quit trying to climb the success ladder. A bit extreme? Perhaps. However, there is some truth to that statement.Everyone who has faithfully answered the call of God is attempting to follow God's plan in that calling. As we strive to fulfill God's purpose for our lives, we will meet with opposition. In other words, as we faithfully climb "God's ladder" of success, we will have opposing forces trying to "step on our faces." I have been reading St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, specifically chapters 1-4, in preparation for an upcoming class I will be teaching. This coupled with having a rather hard week I can relate to the Apostle Paul.
"Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel." (Philippians 1:12)
The Apostle Paul was called by God, to climb "God's ladder" and to bring glory to God. He also was a man who understood what it was like to have opposing forces stepping on his face as he was climbing. In fact, the forces of opposition were so strong that they actually had him thrown into prison. However, even after being thrown in jail for preaching the gospel, that still didn’t keep Paul from continuing to fulfill God's call and purpose.
"As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly." (Philippians 1:13-14)
Yes, certainly Paul was unfairly imprisoned, but he didn't quit; he kept climbing. The result? He was able to share the gospel of saving grace throughout the whole palace guard, and the other Christians who were not imprisoned became more courageous in sharing the gospel. Think about it; even though Paul was unfairly imprisoned (talk about having your face stepped on!), he kept climbing God's ladder. Not only that, his attitude inspired many others to start climbing God's ladder as well...allowing the gospel to be spread, souls to be saved, and the name of Christ to be honored!
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13 NIV)
How has the climb been lately? Have you been motivated and excited to fulfill God's plan and purpose for your life...even in the face of opposing forces? Or, have you lost motivation as a result of having your faced stepped on too many times? Yes, I know the feeling. And we can all learn something from the example of Paul. We need to remind ourselves that reaching the top of God’s “Ladder of Success” is eternal life.
God never promised the climb would be an easy one. But he did promise that He would be with us on every rung. Sometimes life is unfair, it’s hard, it’s dangerous, and it’s tempting us away from our calling and purpose. We will make many mistakes along the way, but keep climbing, and don't quit. Fulfill God's calling on your life by blessing others and bringing glory to our great God and Savior Jesus Christ!
"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Philippians 4:19-20)
Be a Climber,
Bishop Ian
