Just imagine a stagnant pool…can you see it? Algae growing on top, no movement, the water begins to stink because it has no oxygen flowing…
Now imagine a fresh bubbling brook, moving, dancing, laughing! Can you picture it in your mind?
We have just finished studying the wonderful book of Philippians where the main message is humility brings joy in all circumstances, even suffering. It’s like they say, "true joy is elusive because when you try to get it you never can, but if you forget about yourself and serve others then you realize that joy is there."
The writer of Philippians can say this with confidence to them. Why? Because he was held in a horrible prison in Phillippi and they all knew it. So Paul, is in a HORRIBLE situation (decaying bodies around him and in stocks that separate his legs to the point of MAJOR pain after being severly flogged) and what does he do? Prays and sings. All of a sudden an earthquake happens and his bonds are released. He could totally have escaped but he chose to stay. Why? Because the jailor in charge of guarding him would have been killed for losing the prisoners. He puts aside his own rights for someone else. Guess what happens to the jailor? He is impacted big time and gives his life to Jesus. (Read Acts 16 for details)
Paul has credibility to tell the Philippians that they will find joy in the midst of their suffering if they serve one another, because it was right in Philippi that he lived this out. So what is the timeless truth in all of this? As I go through this difficult course, struggle, and want to give up sometimes- I have found that I need to serve others around me and remember that this study is also to serve the ones we will one day teach. It is only then that I continue to find amazing joy each day!
So if you would like to be a bubbling brook you need to be flowing, giving into others lives, and then you will be able to dance and laugh- but stay still, serve yourself and you will be like the stagnant pool…stinky and slightly green.
Teaching Adventures 