Philippians 4:5 Compliance

Let your lenience be known to all men: the Lord is near.

The translations differ quite a bit in the rendering of the Greek word ‘epieikes’. One translation renders it as ‘kindness’ and the other as ‘modesty’, but both of these translation words are already used for other Greek words. The translation word ‘compliance’ probably comes closest. Compliance, or Agreeableness refers to the ability to adapt to circumstances. We all know it: we have little or no influence on many of the things that happen to us. We can grumble or fight against it, but the effect is not to improve conditions . It is true that our personal well-being and our relationships deteriorate as a result . Only the one who accepts what cannot be changed and complies and adapts can move on. The survival of the fittest.

The call in the above verse follows logically from the previous one. Whoever rejoices in the Lord knows that there is One who ordains things and makes all things work together for good. A fatalist does not conform , but resigns himself (at best only) to fate . A believer, on the other hand, knows that GOD’S way is always the best and can conform with confidence based on that realization . Who wouldn’t want to be known like that?!

Delen: