I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. – Philippians 4:2

Today’s Scripture Reading (February 5, 2015): Philippians 4

Did you know that there is currently a fight in American politics over light bulbs? Okay, fight might be a strong word, but I am betting that Thomas Edison never dreamed his invention could ever be anywhere near the heart of a political discussion. The problem seems to be over the plan to phase out traditional incandescent bulbs in favor of more energy efficient – and more expensive – alternatives. Senator Rand Paul seems to be firing the initial shots in the current battle over the bulb, warning anyone who will listen that President Obama and the “liberal elites” want to decide what kind of light bulb you are able to use in your home. But before you scream ‘how dare they,” the “liberal elites” would like you to know that it was George Bush, a leading member of the “unliberal elites,” who actually signed the energy bill back in 2007. It was then passed by both the Senate and the House without even working up a sweat. However, that was when the energy bill hit a snag – and implication of the bill was delayed. And, therefore, we are left with a political argument – over light bulbs.

We have no idea who Euodia or Syntyche were, except that they were co-workers of Paul and that they were fighting. And it seems that, at least as far as Paul was concerned, this was a fight over something as small as our current dilemma over light bulbs. All that Paul wants is for the fighting to be done.  So Paul makes a direct plea to the ladies.

It should be noted that Paul makes no judgments on who was right or wrong in the argument. In fact, the double use of “I plead” probably means that Paul thought that both women were in the wrong. So Paul reminds the women that what unites them is much more important than what separates them – that it is possible to “be of the same mind as the Lord.” And for this reason, and the unity of the church, the feud needs to end.

And the same reasoning as Paul uses with Euodia and Syntyche possibly should be applied to our current light bulb controversy. The reality is this, as Christians we continue with the same job that God has given to Adam – we are to care for what it is that God has created. And that means that things like energy saving light bulbs, and any other way that we can reduce our energy footprint, should be exactly what it is that we desire. Like Euodia and Syntyche, the “liberal elite,” “unliberal elite” and the many “unelite” are all wrong. This is an idea whose time has come, and not one that should be argued over, or one that causes both sides to point their fingers at each other. Because what joins us is much more important that what separates us – we are joined by the planet on which we live, and our joint responsibility, given to us by God, to take care of what he has created.  

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 1 & 2