You never know where the gospel of Jesus Christ will penetrate next. Millions of people claim allegiance to Jesus in China, a communist state committed to an atheistic world view. When God chooses to work, nothing serves as a barrier.

Along these lines, Paul wrote a fascinating benediction to close his letter to the Philippian church: All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

Those of Caesar’s household represent staff, slaves, and officials working for the emperor. We read earlier in Philippians how Paul (while in chains) spread the message of Jesus to the imperial guard. The word then went from his cell via his jailers to the entourage working in the royal palace. Many came to faith.

Nero, the emperor at the time, saw this new approach to God as a threat. He persecuted the growing Christian population, blaming them for a massive fire that consumed much of Rome. He fed believers to wild animals, and burned others alive as torches to illuminate his garden. I wonder how many of those in his household fell victim to his crimes?

Nero’s savagery failed to quash the faith. Brave people continued to follow Jesus. Eventually so many converted that Christianity became the dominant religion of the empire.

Caesar was not a fan. But Caesar never understood the power of the living God. The kingdom of heaven is like a tiny bit of yeast working its way through a mass of dough, quietly relentless. Nero and his empire faded. Today we stroll through the ruins while eating gelato. But faith in Jesus remains, and will remain, regardless of who’s a fan or not.

Philippians 4:22

Photo by Mauro Grazzi

Everyone I know strives for some level of success. Whether it’s climbing the career ladder or raising kids, we pursue favorable outcomes. In this mindset I’ve been encouraged to learn from my failures and try again. As (mostly successful) people have told me—failure should be your friend. My retort—but not my only friend.

Moses led a great expedition, filled with dangerous unknowns, and so pursued the Lord’s backing for success: Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!

Moses prayed for the Lord to lay the foundations of success for the Hebrew people. He understood that without God’s patronage his wandering nation faced disaster in the wilderness, whether by starvation or conquest or going back to slavery in Egypt.

You and I can pray in the same way. We can ask the Lord to prosper the work of our hands. It may be a new business venture or planting a row of blackberries. Perhaps it involves family or friends or your church community. Regardless, like Moses, ask the Lord for the ability to get started, for sound planning, and for the wisdom to move forward.

Psalm 90:17

Photo by Pauline Bernard

I like some people more than others. I liked my girlfriend so much I married her—best decision ever. I meet a lot of people in my line of work. Some I lean towards, enjoying a conversation and discovering mutual interests. I prefer quick-witted and funny. Others come across as aloof or distant. Of course, I may present to them as an odd little man, so I cannot complain if things don’t click.

It’s easy to find myself partial to someone and standoffish to another. Fortunately, the Good Lord holds no standards on who is hip and who is not. In a teaching to overseers and servants, Paul reminds the folks in charge that the same God is Lord over both master and slave. Indeed, there is no partiality with Him.

We treat each other with respect and dignity because we are all creatures of the living God. He imbues us with value. Our standing in this world changes that naught. The wealthy, the poor, the wise, the foolish, the addict on the street and the tycoon on his yacht all stand before the Lord on equal footing. We’re made from the same simple dust of the earth. No one springs from super-dust laced with sprinkles.

God loves me, but God is not overly enamored with me compared with anyone else. I’m cherished in his eyes, as is everyone else I meet. One reason Jesus told us to do unto others as you would have done unto you is because we walk among highly valuable people. I pray that the Lord helps me remember this truth, and moves me to treat each and every person I meet with the respect and grace they deserve.

Ephesians 6:5-9

Photo by Mandy Naleli

I once enjoyed a dinner like no other at an outdoor restaurant in Mexico. Fabulous food, braziers of coals heating our backs, peacocks strutting between the tables. The restaurant served other patrons as well, but I enjoyed the food and the company and the service so much that it left a wonderful impression and I now describe it in superfluous language. It was unparalleled to me.

One of a kind. Unmatched. Unique. Unequaled. I toss such descriptions around as I search for ways to describe fascinating people and enjoyable experiences.

Paul reminds me that God is one of a kind: There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

One God is over all and through all and in all—only one. A solitary path ascends to the top of the mountain—only one. An exclusive gate opens to heaven—only one.

There’s only one God. Try as people might to squirm out of this reality, the truth remains. Only one God exists and it’s not me, nor is God found in any other religion or creed or belief system. One Lord, one faith, one baptism.

Only one.

Ephesians 4:4-6

Photo by Jordan Steranka