In the letter to the Philippians, Paul and Timothy labeled themselves as servants of Christ? Is this the way we would describe ourselves?
Their message is to the Philippians but it applies equality as much to us Christians today. Paul thanked God for the church at Philippi and the company of believers, Philippians 1:3. How long since we remembered to thank God for our church and the people in it? Do we take time to thank God for those people who are special to us?
Are we, like Paul and Timothy and the Philippians, participating in the spread of the gospel? What are we doing to help with this work? What are we doing with our time, energy, finances, and prayers?
Do we have the same confidence that Paul had, that he who began a good work in us will bring it to completion? Philippians 1:6. He will work on us and in us and change us and perfect us. It may take our lifetime, in fact it will, but God will keep going and will not give up on us. Doesn’t that encourage you? It sure encourages me.
Do we have the same love and concern for others that Paul did? Is that evident in our words actions and lifestyle? Paul prayed for love to abound. He also prayed for knowledge and discernment to approve the things that are excellent, Philippians 1:9-10. That sounds to me like deciding on the best use of time.
Even in prison and in difficult circumstances, Paul could see it could turn out for the greater progress of the gospel, Philippians 1:12. He saw the impact his circumstances were having on others. Rather than stopping the work, the gospel was spreading. When we are undergoing hard times or difficulty does it turn people to the Lord or away from Him? It’s something to think about that might make us more mindful of our attitudes, words and actions.
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