Striving Together

Paul in his letter to the church at Philippi encouraged them to “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” (Philippians 1:27) Striving is an energetic word and can be either good or bad depending on how we strive and for what. Paul in this passage teaches us two important things about Christian striving.

First, we are to be striving “together.” There is a world of difference between striving against each other and in striving together. We have all seen a skilled basketball team working together to move the ball down the court and score – five players working together as a unit. We have also seen how kids sometimes play. Everyone wants the ball for himself, dribbles as long as possible, takes the shot even though a teammate is in better position. They are all striving – playing hard – but not together. In the church we are to strive together as a team.

Second, we are to strive together “for the faith of the gospel.” What we strive for is of utmost importance. It must not be for our own personal opinions or favorite programs but rather for “the faith of the gospel.”

Here at the North Main Street Church of Christ let each of us always make sure that as a team we are all “striving together for the faith of the gospel.”

 Claude