Standing in grace

So then, my dearly loved and longed for brothers and sisters, my joy and crown, in this manner stand firm in the Lord, dear friends. (Philippians 4:1)

Chapter 4 starts in a strange place. Verse 1 really should be in chapter 3 because it wraps up everything Paul was saying.

How do we stand firm in the Lord? What does “in this manner” mean?

I think it means to stand in grace.

Not trying to earn God’s acceptance through our own efforts. Not clinging to our own “report card” of righteousness or our own credentials in order to prove ourselves worthy of him.

But leaving that all behind and simply pursuing our relationship with Jesus. A relationship we already have, because in his grace and love he has taken hold of us and made us his own.

Now out of love, awe, and gratitude for all he’s done for us, we take on his interests, living for him and his kingdom.

More, we do so with the hope and confidence that despite all our sins, struggles, and failings, we will one day see him face to face.

And when we do, we know that we will be like him, for we shall see him as he is. (Philippians 3:20-21, 1 John 3:1-2)

That’s standing in grace.

And that’s how I want to live.

How about you?