Thankful for Partners

Philippians 1:3-5 “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.”
 
ONE way we know joy in our lives is to be thankful. Here Paul is thankful for his partners in ministry. Good partners are good to aid us in our work, aren’t they? I’m reading a book by Mike Massimino, who became an astronaut in the mid-90’s. His story is a wonderful illustration of the power of partnership to achieve very difficult tasks. Mike explains the many obstacles he overcame to reach his goa to become an astronaut. And he relates many who helped him become an effective astronaut with various skills. His wisdom was to enlist partners to help him through the challenges and teach him how to succeed. Mike worked in unity with people willing to partner with him and his purpose. He was eager to listen, to learn and to live into teachings.
    When someone calls you, “Partner.” you feel honored, don’t you? You feel their trust. You want to help them because they have affirmed you. Partners work side-by-side to help each other achieve remarkable work in our culture and in the church.
    That’s why Paul wants the church at Philippi to know he rejoices they are his partners. Paul knows how difficult the work for the gospel is and will be. No one alone can do all that is needed. Amid the hard work, the challenges, and even conflict, partners in Christ know they must set their mind to Jesus. The church must focus on the life-transforming work God calls us to do.
    How do partners stay together? Partners submit to one another. They are humble to encourage and enrich each other. They focus on their purpose. Partners in the church must together pray their desires, say their hopes, and obey their Lord. And partners must know the joy of their salvation in Jesus Christ. This joy will set their minds on Jesus as their Lord, and heavenly partner.
    Do you have a gospel partner? Join with another to seek Jesus. Join together to care for one another in the great work He has called you.
 
Joy Link: Partners protect and prosper God’s purpose in each other’s lives.