Stand Firm in the Lord: Reasonableness

Scripture Reading:

• Philippians 4:1 –

“Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm

thus in the Lord, my beloved.”

• Philippians 4:5 –

“Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand”

• 1 Peter 1:15 –

“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a

defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness

and respect.”

Thought:

When I make a great shot, you would think I just won a major tournament. It could be because it

does not happen too often. When you play with or watch great players though, they may acknowledge a

good shot, but they keep their composure, since they expected it. Through hard work and dedication they

are at a place where they play with the expectation they will execute the shot they attempt.

Paul is giving the Phillipians advice on how to stand firm in where they are in Christ. One way was

reflecting the reasonableness of their faith to others. The word for reasonableness in Greek is “epieikes”

and is defined as “suitable; fair, reasonable; gentle, mild, patient”. The NIV translates it as “gentleness”.

Reflecting the reasonableness of their faith was not through words or an emotional response, but a firm

confidence and understanding of their identity in Christ, who is at hand.

How can we reflect reasonable, or gentle confidence that the Lord is at hand? Often it means not

reacting in a way that others would expect. On the course, it could be not acting in anger, even during

difficult rounds, or frustrating card mates. It also could be not responding quickly to someone who

frustrates you but rather taking a moment to listen and trying to see things from their perspective. These

reasonable or gentle actions point to where your confidence and hope truly lie. When this happens,

others will notice, which often leads to an opportunity to tell them about Christ, who is the source of your

confidence.

Reflection 1: How does the Lord being at hand affect how I relate to others in my Disc Golf community?

Reflection 2: If someone asked me about the source of my faith, could I explain it in a way that points

them to salvation in Christ?

Prayer: Lord, thank-you that Christ is at hand. I pray that by Your Holy Spirit, You will enable me to live

my life based on that truth and be a vessel to share the gospel with others. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen!

Contributed by: Dean Langenhahn | PDGA #208802