Stuck smack in the middle of the fourth chapter of Philippians is a powerful two-letter command: DO.

It is preceded by a comma and followed by a colon, and it packs a mighty wallop of responsibility for me.

Paul is writing from prison to the church at Philippi. He has reminded them of the Lordship of Jesus Christ (chapter 2) and the joy found in Christ (Philippians 3:4). He has pointed them toward the goal (Philippians 3:14) and encouraged them in the task (Philippians 4:1).

Then comes the command, DO, which tells them (and me) to act upon all that he has taught (Philippians 4:9).

Paul provided the instruction. The Holy Spirit softened their hearts to receive the word. They have learned from Paul, and Paul has modeled what he taught. Now, Paul passes the mantle of responsibility to the hearers: DO.

Go, live obedient and fruitful lives.

This is the responsibility of all believers. As I learn the scripture and see the gospel at work in lives, I am to actively obey the scripture. I am to DO.

A simple word. A big job.

May God help me be a faithful doer of His word. May He help you, too.

Philippians 4:⁹ Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

James 1:²² But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. ²³ For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:²⁴ For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

Photo – Reflection, Beth Mims