The Joy of the Lordনমুনা

Lifting Up Others by Pastor Shawn Withy-Allen

Senior Pastor of Manna Church – Oahu, Hawaii

Scripture

Philippians 2:1-2, “​Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,  ​then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” 

Observation

Paul is reminding us that joy is beyond self but in unity, with God and our relationships. Rather than just stop at the obvious favorable personal outcomes of knowing Jesus, Paul exhorts us to go a step further to see them produce similar outcomes in the people God has placed in our life for the sake of unity. This is where joy is made complete. 

Application

“I’m sorry, but I don’t ever see you being the QB here at UH, especially with the guys we have coming in.” The ‘guys’ June Jones was referring to would become all-time greats at UH - Timmy Chang and Nick Rolovich. The logical decision was to transfer, but I couldn’t shake the sense that God was telling me to stay. God encouraged me, comforted me, done so much for me, and now He was calling me to bring this with me into the locker room every day to the very guys I was a backup...for three years! It’s one thing to worship God and have joy on Sundays, but it’s another thing to worship God and have joy everyday through lifting up those around you who you are your competitors standing in the way of your goals. This is where I learned one of the most valuable lessons of my life: ​Joy isn’t just about relishing in the blessings of God for ourselves; it’s just as much about dying to ourselves so that others can be lifted up.​ I now count it as one of my greatest joys to have walked through those extremely difficult years. Years later, Nick, now newly hired UH Head Football Coach, asked me to be the Character Coach and Chaplain for team and “do the same thing we did when we were players!” In that moment it’s as if I could hear Paul say, “You have made my joy complete!” 

Prayer

Father, help me carry every blessing You give me into my relationships. May I recognize the opportunities to bring unity in the areas You have placed me. Whether it be in my marriage or at work or in school, help me lift others up and not focus only on myself, that my joy may be made complete in You. Amen! 

Reflection

Where is God giving you opportunities in 2021 to experience true joy by lifting others up?