Growing Together 

This week we’re looking at Philippians chapter 2. 

We’ve probably all seen some version of the movie where a detective is determined to solve a crime but is having trouble getting traction and is eventually removed from the case against his will. But instead of moving on to the next assignment, he boldly tosses his badge onto his boss’s desk and walks out to go solve the case on his own time. He’s the “rogue detective” and knows how to get things done; the world cannot stop him. 

In our yard we have what I am calling the “rogue petunia,” and I think it’s up to something. We don’t know how or when this delicate pink flower invaded, but we didn’t plant it. Where did it come from? What is it doing? 

I’ve watched enough nature shows to know that if a new plant or animal is introduced to an area it can set off a chain reaction. One new flower supports a new fungus, which attracts a new bug, which attracts a tiny bird, which attracts a predatory bird, which attracts nature documentary film crews. 

Thinking about the implications of the rogue petunia has me reflecting on how in God’s creation, plants and animals do what they must do to survive and thrive. That’s their main “goal.” As people we are much more complicated, but as Christians we have one primary goal – to share the good news of Jesus to the world: 

If then there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, sharing the same feelings, focusing on one goal. (Philippians 2:1-2 HCSB) 

The rogue detective will not be stopped until he solves the case. The rogue petunia won’t stop until it eventually spawns a new ecosystem in my yard (or suffers a frost, whichever comes first). 

You and I are rogues, too, because God calls us to be “in” the world but not “of” the world. Focus on the goal. Plant seeds with love, and the results just might surprise us. 

By Mark Stuart