Philippians 4:4-9 Kairete Masters!

Kairete (χαίρετε) is from the Greek root word Kairo (χαίρω) and is in the imperative mood; that is, it’s a command to the entire readership of Paul’s letter, including us.

Overcoming the temptation to FRET and WORRY about things, being anxious and concerned before being TRUSTING and THANKFUL, is a skill that we are supposed to practice and develop in PARTNERSHIP with Jesus. It is not an instant download from heaven but a disciplined PROCESS.

These skills are best LEARNED intentionally and with others- we can’t just COMMIT to being better without coaching or sharing the JOY of progress and growth with others who also long to see the fullness of CHRIST’S life realized in us.

One of the most beneficial things we can do is spend time with people who have the skills and maturity we don’t. We learn what’s possible when we see others live beyond our own capacities- chances are they weren’t BORN THAT WAY, but learned and developed maturity and health because someone else TAUGHT THEM.

No person you know is perfect No person you know is perfect. We are all IMMATURE in one way or another. Not one of us has EVERYTHING figured out. We aren’t here to IMPRESS anyone, but to encourage the FAITH and LOVE of God in EVERYONE.

Paul’s specific commentary on what we should let our minds dwell on gives us clear INSTRUCTION for creating room for the Holy Spirit to work in our lives. The more we CROWD HIM OUT with stuff that encourages sin, the more we undermine the LIFE OF CHRIST He wants to grow in us!