Monday, March 9 - Philippians 1
21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.
Paul's has a stunning perspective on life. This perspective lays a foundation for all that he does. It allows him to deal with the struggles of his life (2 Corinthians 11) in a manner that I find amazing. His Christ centered life helps him find contentment in every situation (Philippians 4:11-12), to give thanks no matter what happens (1 Thessalonians 5:18) and to see the good in imprisonment (Philippians 1:13). I pray that grow into such a perspective.
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Verses 27 & 28 got me ready for the week:
ReplyDelete27 -- Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel
28 -- without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved— and that by God.
Days later, I reflect that this verse served as a shield on this Monday -- Going to work in a corporation confronts you daily with choices of whom or what to serve.
It serves to remind me of the old adage:
Q: "Are you a practicing Christian?"
A: "That's right, I haven't gotten it right yet."
I pray my brothers and sisters at First United Methodist Church of Grapevine are blessed and upheld in their work, whereever they may find themselves.