At the Water Cooler

At one time or another we have all been apart of a ‘water cooler’ conversation. You know what that is don’t you? That’s when a group of people gather together for a few minutes on a work break or between classes at school and stop to talk. Many times someone standing at the water cooler will begin to talk about somebody who isn’t there. Often what is said isn't nice.

What would happen if YOU are the one absent at the water cooler? How would your co-workers and friends talk about you? How will your family talk about you when you aren’t home? Or dare I even think it; how will people at church talk about you when you aren’t there?

[3] I thank my God every time I remember you. [4] In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy [5] because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, [6] being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:3-6 (NIV)

When Paul stood at the ‘water cooler’ of prayer with God he always remembered the people at the church in Philipi with joy. Why did Paul’s heart overflow with thanksgiving for the people in this church so that he only had good things to say about them? He lists two important reasons.

First, these folks were partners in the gospel with Paul; they came along side to help him do the work God had called him to do. Will people think of you with joy because you have treated them with kindness coming along side them to assist them; do you encourage them with what you say? Or will their thoughts and words be negative because you a make their lives (and work) harder by the things you do and say?

Second, Paul was confident of God’s work being done within the Philippian church; Paul could see God’s hand upon their lives. Do people see evidence of God at work in your life? Are you maturing as a believer? Is there a difference in the way you talk? Are you more patient, loving and kind? Are you demonstrating self-control or do you still have a short fuse?
If you don’t like what you have heard people saying about you, don’t blame them; take a look in the mirror first. Do you see in yourself what Paul saw in the folks at Philipi? If not what are you going to do about it?