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You haven't forgotten what the theme of Philippians is, have you? Do you remember what it is? It's rejoicing - that contagious quality of joy that comes from being confident that Christ is in full control. Such joy leads to a worry-free life. Fixing our minds on positive, uplifting, and excellent things transforms and surrounds us in God's wonderful peace. Now that's the way to live, growing in joy and peace . . . growing in maturity. Paul and the Philippians are magnificent examples to follow as we grow up.

In many ways, we could sum up our time as the age of addictions. It would be nice to think that members of the family of Jesus Christ are free from addictions, but that is only a pleasant dream. Many Christians struggle with nagging, relentless habits that defy quick n easy solutions. Curiously enough, the most common addiction is not seen as an addiction at all. In fact, we call it normal . . . part of life in a modern and technologically advanced society. The most popular addiction? Anxiety. Just plain, old worry. The good news is that God has provided an escape - a way of liberation to laugh again.

In many ways, we could sum up our time as the age of addictions. It would be nice to think that members of the family of Jesus Christ are free from addictions, but that is only a pleasant dream. Many Christians struggle with nagging, relentless habits that defy quick n easy solutions. Curiously enough, the most common addiction is not seen as an addiction at all. In fact, we call it normal . . . part of life in a modern and technologically advanced society. The most popular addiction? Anxiety. Just plain, old worry. The good news is that God has provided an escape - a way of liberation to laugh again.

Conflicts among God's people are not new. Personality clashes, doctrinal differences, church squabbles, denominational splits, competition among preachers, public arguments, and private grudges are unfortunately commonplace. Instead of being a beautiful model of harmony, as one body, we frequently opt for sustaining offenses rather than forgiving and overlooking a wrong. But it doesn't have to be this way.

Conflicts among God's people are not new. Personality clashes, doctrinal differences, church squabbles, denominational splits, competition among preachers, public arguments, and private grudges are unfortunately commonplace. Instead of being a beautiful model of harmony, as one body, we frequently opt for sustaining offenses rather than forgiving and overlooking a wrong. But it doesn't have to be this way.

Conflicts among God's people are not new. Personality clashes, doctrinal differences, church squabbles, denominational splits, competition among preachers, public arguments, and private grudges are unfortunately commonplace. Instead of being a beautiful model of harmony, as one body, we frequently opt for sustaining offenses rather than forgiving and overlooking a wrong. But it doesn't have to be this way.