The Philippian Epistle

The Empty Nest
Philippians 1:1-11

It’s hard for loving parents when their children leave home. Every where you look, you see reminders of the child. The picture on the shelf brings back memories of a camping trip. Preparing a certain meal reminds you of trying to get your son to eat his baby food. A mother holding a little child reminds you of the first time you held your child. The times you spent with them, whether few or many, are some of the greatest memories you have.

You think of them constantly, wondering if they are okay, and how they are getting along, and who their friends are. You are excited for them that they are learning new things ane having new experiences, and wishing you could share in it, but the separation prevents it. Sometimes they share a little of what is happening, and it you feel so privileged to even have that tiny part, because you love them so much. Sometimes your feelings are so intense you can’t express them.

The love for them never goes away, but the experiences you haven’t shared create connections to others that you can’t share in the same way. They have their own life, and what you have shared is only a part of it. Sometimes as parents, we need to remember they are not our baby any longer, but a mature person. Our relationship must grow accordingly.

Good pastors and teachers have the same feelings toward those they have taught. Paul shares his concern and love for the church a Philippi. He is not trying to make the relationship like it was, but to help them develop mature relationships, with Paul, and with their current pastor and church. It is a letter to everyone in the church.

“Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:1-8)

So often kids seem a little resentful of their parents desire to know, yet it is normal and natural if the parents love their children. It becomes a problem if the parents try to force the child to stay a child, refusing to let the relationship grow.

I was interested in Michael Jackson’s statement that he most closely identified with Peter Pan, the little boy who never grew up. His efforts to stay that little boy resulted in a terribly messed up life. Over the years, I have seen a number of parents try to prevent the natural change in their relationship with their children, and mess up their, and their children’s lives.

Paul recognizes that the Growth is produced by God, who can be trusted to help them grow into what is right , despite his concerns and desire to prevent some of the painful experiences they may have. One thing he does not want is for them to forget their past, or their values. Unfortunately, some people get so caught up in change they do forget

“And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9-11)