“If there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. Being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow.., and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
“Therefore, my beloved,.. work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life.” Philippians 2:1-11,12b-16a
Paul was no half-hearted apostle. All in with persecuting Christians before God saved him, he spent himself fully for Christ, His gospel, and His church the rest of his days. His words of persuasion and power were matched by joyful relentlessness and unwavering commitment. What encouragement or comfort in belief the Philippian church had received he stoked to become fully aflame. (Philippians 4:8-9)
In our natural selfishness, life is all about us: my agenda, my difficulties, my time, ME! We chafe at even entertaining the thought of interruption or redirection. But the Lord has mysterious ways of unclenching our desires and freeing us to serve His with abandon. His Spirit pokes and strokes to awaken holy passion, then strives along with us to see it through. Along the way He astounds us with increasing knowledge, growing faith, and conformity to Himself.
What encouragement have I received from Christ or His people and how is it propelling me to serve? What teaching refines my thinking? What comforting fellowship stirs love for others or my ability to relate? What generosity toward me has prompted me to give lavishly? How faithfully am I completing what the Lord initiates?
How fully am I striving to know Christ? What affirmation, what worldliness, will I relinquish to take hold of eternal purpose and riches? How willing am i to be poured out fully for the faith of others, spending time, energy, even health to bring life? In these things we know the Lord, receive untold bounty and blessing, and serve as a shining example for those younger in their walk. (Philippians 2:17,26-27; 3:2-14)
Lord, help me long for and press on to Your upward call and full joy, to Your honor.
As the rain and snow 