Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory;

Opening up my Biblegateway app I see the verse of the day. This strikes me odd. Isn’t strife and vainglory the same thing? Don’t both produce results that are not showing Christ? Were they two different things with the same results or did Paul add or vainglory as a way for us to understand the complexities of strife? If so why couldn’t Paul have just used one word to explain?

So I went to the Greek and looked up the word used from strife. I was totally surprised to see the definition is electioneering. Politics, now if that isn’t the perfect example of vainglory, what is?

But is the real issue self-promotion? In these times when nothing is being done to promote the kingdom in a world filled with fear and emotional distress, when violence seems more reasonable than peace, where self-interest is required before action is taken, doesn’t someone have to stand up and try?

What really lies at the bottom of the problem? What can I do, what should we do to move in the right direction, to achieve that which we know is right, noble and just? I think Paul was trying to tell us, but we failed to understand the importance of those words.

Philippians 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Not just look, but do you see Christ at work?

Acts 16:6-7 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.

If you believe that God is involved directly in your live, that He has plans to use you, how do you know when He says NO?

We are a people who make plans. We see a need and we become determined to fill that need and takes steps and can go through great efforts to accomplish a “good work”. So often we see obstacles as attacks from the enemy, trying to hinder that good work. What if it isn’t Satan?

Nothing in Acts 16 tells us directly who they knew the Holy Spirit was forbidding them. If we glaze over the scriptures and give credit to these evangelists that they had a better relationship with God and knew His will instantly, then I suggest we give credit where truth has not been shown.

Do you know all truth by faith alone?

Hebrews 4:2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

Success comes about by mixing faith with the Word. Our plans must be fashioned in the Word and executed in faith. Too often we leave the designer out of our plans. Consider that you have not sinned. What you are doing is not wrong, it is just sometimes unauthorized. Correction is not warranted because you have not sinned. Do not expect chastening. It will look more like an obstacle.

Examine obstacles to determine who placed them in the way. Go to the Word, check with the designer. If it was of the enemy He will overcome. If it is of the Lord, leave it lay and back away.