Continuing his discussion of Philippians 2, author and pastor Bill Hybels (The Power of a Whisper) paraphrases the theme of that chapter this way: “Don’t be clutchers. Instead, become relinquishers.” Left to our own devices, the author states, we are “clutchers”, tenaciously holding on to our life’s achievements and possessions. In contrast, sacrificial obedience to God’s whispers runs contrary to human nature.
Jesus was a relinquisher, not a clutcher, and St. Paul exhorts us to follow His example (Philippians 2:5). This is especially important when the stakes are high, such as a transitional time following a ministry downsizing or position loss. Safety and predictability have vanished from our lives. It is a time for introspection and reflection. Have we fully surrendered our lives and future ministries to God? As we conform to God’s promptings, His mission and kingdom move forward. Pastor Hybels offers these words of encouragement:
“Obeying the Spirit . . . will lead you to places you’ve never been, challenge you in ways you’ve never been challenged and invite levels of sacrifice you never dreamed you could make. This is the power and promise of full-throttle faith, of living a life fueled solely by God.”
Note: The annotation for The Power of a Whisper will post tomorrow.
