The church is distinctive in its design and very nature. In order to live up to its identity, the church must maintain its distinctiveness. 

This World is an uncertain place, and life herein is equally uncertain. History is filled with examples of such uncertainty. Many people would take security in the supposed sovereignty of their country. But the geographic landscape of this world is always in a state of continual flux. In its day the Assyrian empire was mighty, but it no longer exists. Egypt was once a powerful, conquering nation but ceased to be so many hundreds of years ago. The Babylonian empire was sweeping in its conquests, but its reign of power was comparatively brief. The Persian empire was even more impressive in its might, but its status as an empire ceased long ago. The Greek empire under Alexander was like no other before it. Long since gone. The Roman empire far surpassed all of those previous to it, including that of the Greeks. It crumbled well over one thousand years ago. 

   In Paul’s letter to the Philippians he instructed them as to where to find the power to face and deal with life successfully (Phlp. 4:11-13).  The lesson within that text is equally important for us today.