Scripture: Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Philippians 3:12
Observation: In this chapter, Paul gives his well-known argument about how good of an example of a Jew he is, and yet considers all that loss for the sake for faith of Jesus. He presents in that argument also his strong faith in Jesus. However, this verse is a telling transition. Paul indicates that it doesn't matter how good of a man, or faithful of a believer he is ... but that he will always seek to grow and improve. Paul will always seek to grow in faith, love, and correct behavior. In this, he encourages the Philippians to use him as the example, and likewise always strive to grow and improve.
Application: I do not need encouragement to know I need to grow and improve. I am a middle-aged man, and yet I know my failures and shortcomings, and I strive to do better. My learning seems to come too slow at times. My missteps are repeated too many times. My mental alignment to the word of God ... just misfires way too often. The point is, I know all this, and no matter how much I eventually learn and improve, there will always be more to do in my pursuit to show love and mercy to others.
Prayer: Lord, I have prayed several times recently for personal joy and peace. Instead today, may I pray to grow more and more in my outward service toward others. May I love others, and extend your mercy to them. In this, I strive to grow all the days of my life. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment