Bible Passage: “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.” (Philippians 1:27-30 ESV)
Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:1-2
Yesterday, we looked at the strength of Paul’s sense of purpose in life and how that same sense of our purpose can help us push through depression.
The same theme plays out in today’s passage, with Paul exhorting the church of Philippi to strive in one spirit for the purposes of the Gospel of Christ.
We also see in today’s text that Paul builds another key theme into his exhortation:
That the disciples in Philippi shouldn’t be afraid of opponents, conflict, and ultimately, suffering.
According to a 2011 theory published by a researcher from the University of British Columbia, one of the key patterns of thought and behavior that contributes to depression symptoms is the avoidance of negative outcomes, like failure, pain, or suffering.
As men, we are generally motivated by two principles:
A desire to approach positive outcomes (i.e., “approach motivation”) or to avoid negative outcomes (i.e., “avoidance motivation”).
When we have a deficit in approach motivation but strong tendencies toward avoidance motivation, we limit positive experiences—such as pursuing our values—and reinforce negative information-processing biases—such as hopelessness.
In my clinical work as a psychotherapist, I’ve repeatedly found that the fear and avoidance of pain and suffering play a foundational role in sustaining all kinds of mental health challenges, including depression.
What often makes a big difference in men who are struggling is learning to accept that pain and suffering are unavoidable.
So, we need to build a capacity to tolerate these experiences as we pursue the things that matter to us, rather than spending our lives in avoidance.
The longer we try to avoid pain and suffering, the longer we will remain stuck in depression.
This brings us back to Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians today.
He encourages them that, in their pursuit of making the Gospel known, they’ll face opposition, conflict, and suffering.
Yet, they must not be frightened of this suffering, as all of it is for the sake of Christ.
If Paul can endure this suffering for Jesus, so can they. Ultimately, their suffering has purpose to it, so they shouldn’t try to avoid it. Instead, they need to press on towards their calling.
I believe God’s invitation to pursue our purpose, even if it involves pain and suffering, still stands for us today.
Will you press on and step out, rather than continue to avoid?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You that Your Spirit gives me everything I need for a life of godliness (2 Peter 1:3), including the ability to tolerate pain and suffering. Search my heart and reveal to me any pain within me that I have been trying to avoid. Bring people into my life who can walk with me through this suffering, and most of all, would You fellowship with me through this pain. I believe You will bring me through this, so I am deciding to stop avoiding it. Amen.
Reflection: What is the pain that you have been trying to avoid and run away from?
What would it mean to come face-to-face with your pain? Who do you need to help you with this? How do you think confronting your pain and pursuing your values despite it can help set you free?
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