As October unfolds in a presidential election year, the influx of media filling your news feed may be weighing on you. If you have been tiptoeing around conversations to dodge certain subjects, you may be disheartened or feel like all of society has stopped trying to live in harmony with one another amid the varying political views.  

Isn’t it interesting that, as we approach Thanksgiving, a time  meant for group gatherings and unity, we find ourselves in this tangled place of aversion? Harvest festivals and bonfires make up the best parts of autumn. In an election year, however, those late-night conversations around the fire can be as sticky as the toasted marshmallow at the end of your roasting stick. 

In our hunger for peace, we turn to the final instructions given by Paul to the Philippian people, in Philippians 4:1-9. Three key insights are shared to quiet the chaos and lead us to a place where we can transcend conflict and thrive as a community. 

Stand firm (4:1-5). Paul pleads with the quarreling women in this passage to stand firm and dig their heels in Christlikeness. He tells them to have the same mindset in the Lord—though this isn’t to be mistaken for instruction to just “give up and agree!” We may not always see eye-to-eye with others and we are allowed to have disagreements. Paul’s aim here is that we would have the same mind as Christ: to put each other before ourselves. Learn how to fight fairly, covered with love and grace.

Pray often (4:6-7). You may be carrying some anxiety into this season. We must remember that our surrender of these burdens is a daily choice. But some days, it can be an hourly choice! Talk with the Father in every situation, bringing our fears, our anxieties and our doubts—He can handle it all. As we hover in that sacred space with Him, the peace of God will protect our minds and ground our wandering thoughts. 

Think well (4:8-9). Ask yourself, “What occupies my mind?” Ask the Lord to guard your mind, fill you with holy wisdom and empower you to choose what you focus on. In doing all of this, we are led to a place of peace where a thriving, vibrant Christian life can be experienced.

Dig Deeper

Saturate yourself in the presence of God through prayer, worship and reflection. Ask Him to reveal all your thorny parts that have leaned too far into an argumentative spirit. Live with intention. This month, gather with a group of people who you know hold differing views and put these things into practice. 

Daily Readings

This article was originally titled “The Guide to Thrive” in the October 2024 issue of Peer.