Philippians: Whatever Happensنموونە

Happy to Do It

By Kristen Hollis

“And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.”—Philippians 2:16–18 (NIV)

Did you hate doing chores when you were a kid? I certainly did. Like many kids, I would’ve rather spent my time doing something that brought me joy, so when it came time to do the work my parents asked me to do, they’d often be met with a passive-aggressive eight-year-old.

As a pastor’s kid, I was no stranger to what my dad loved to call a “teaching moment.” Sometimes these were long-form lectures; other times, it was just him calling out the phrase “happy to do it!” He was always referencing the same point—it was not only dishonoring to my parents but the Lord when I approached servanthood with grumbling. I had a hard time wrapping my head around that concept when I was a kid, but after reading this passage from Paul, I can see a true example of this practice.

Paul’s life at this point wasn’t going great by our standards—he was in the depth of persecution and was looking at death because of his faith in God. During this correspondence with the congregation in Philippi, Paul is describing his time in prison not as a time he views as suffering with no cause but as something even to be celebrated. So many in Paul’s situation would probably grumble and think this was all for nothing, but he reminds the church that this labor is not in vain.

Next, Paul refers to himself as “being poured out like a drink offering,” which is an Old Testament practice of worship (Numbers 15:1–10, 28:1–8). In that time, once a sacrifice was made (usually some animal), the priest would pour wine next to the altar to symbolize the dedication of someone in worship to God. Paul relates his life as this wine being poured out for those he served. He finds joy in this because this service is all in the name of God. Paul ends this passage asking the church to join him in his joy for these sufferings as they will never be in vain, which should truly be celebrated.

So, what can we learn here? There will always be times of servanthood in our lives that aren’t very fun or glamorous, whether directly related to our faith or not. Therefore, we should approach every moment as an act of worship to God. In my dad’s words, in everything we do, we should be “happy to do it,” for it is all for our Creator.

Pause: Has God ever called you to serve someone in a way you found yourself grumbling?

Practice: Take some time in these moments to thank God for the opportunity to serve Him and His people. Thank Him for ensuring that nothing we walk through in this life is in vain.

Pray: Father, I may not always understand why I’m called to do something, but thank You for the opportunity. Even in my suffering, You call me to have a posture of joy and humility. Make my heart soft in these moments, and help me reflect on this gratitude. Amen.