10/03/09

Well it's funny how things work out. All week long, I have been talking how God wants us to act. The Bible kept leading me to the story of Jesus' death and Resurrection. He has now led me to how he wants us to act through the scripture. Those of you who read this daily may find several repetitive issues, but can we really be reminded enough?

Philippians 2:1-18 (New International Version)

Philippians 2
Imitating Christ's Humility
1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Shining as Stars
12Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16as you hold out[c] the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. 17But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Many people, Christians included, live to please themselves. This brings discord. We are to love one another and be one in spirit and in purpose. When we care for the problems of others together, we demonstrate Christ's examples by putting others first and we experience unity. Worry more about meeting God's commands rather than your own needs. Be humble by considering the interests of others more than your own. This links us with Christ who was a true example of humility. Guard against any selfishness, prejudice, or jealousy that might lead to dissension. Showing genuine interest in others is a positive step forward in maintaining unity among believers. Serve out of love for God , not guilt or fear. You choose your own attitude. Verses 5-11 list several characteristics of Christ. 1. He always existed with God 2. He is equal to God because he is God 3. he became a man so that we would all have eternal life 4. He actually became human to identify with our sins 5. He voluntarily laid aside his privileges out of love 6. He died on the cross so that we wouldn't have to face eternal death 7.He was glorified because of his obedience 8. He was raised to his fathers right hand, where he will reign forever as Lord and Judge.

We must praise our Lord and dedicate ourselves to his service. If we say we follow Christ, then we must live as he lived. We must not expect recognition from the world. Are you selfishly clinging to your righteousness or are you willing to serve? Jesus died for us in the most excruciating way possible. At judgement, even the condemned will recognize him as Lord and King. You can choose now or you can choose then. Are you prepared if Judgement were to happen today? In the absence of Christ, we must focus our attention and devotion even more on Christ so that we won't be sidetracked. Submit to God's control and let him work. Ask God to help you want to do his will. We must want to be more like Christ. We need the power of the Spirit to fulfill this. Many times it is by doing God's will that gives us the desire to do it. Do you want and trust him to change your desires? If a church is always arguing and complaining, it lacks the unifying power of Christ and will therefore suffer. Don't argue with your church family. We should live with moral purity, patience, and peacefulness so that we will shine like stars in a dark world.A transformed life is an effective witness to God's power. Are you shining brightly, or are you clouded by complaining and arguing. Paul was willing to die so that Christ could be displayed. When you are totally committed to Christ, sacrificing to build the faith of others brings a joyous reward.

God wants us to grow up and mature as well as develop Christlike qualities. Millions of Christians sadly never grow in their faith because they don't intend to grow. You must want to grow, decide to grow, and persist in growing. Discipleship always begins with a decision. Your commitments will define you. It is here that most people miss God's purpose for their lives. Every choice has eternal consequences so you better choose wisely. To follow Christ, you must begin to act in new ways. Intentionally change the way you think. The Holy Spirit will help you with this. It works with us, not just in us. You are responsible for the new life God has given you. God revealed thousands of years ago that we must change the way we think to live the way we are supposed to live. This is the first step. The way you think determines the way you feel, which influences the way you act. We must develop the mind of Christ, which is called repentance, which literally means to change your mind. Stop thinking self-centered and self seeking thoughts. We must also focus on others and not ourselves. This shows spiritual maturity. (sound familiar?)

The Christian life includes conduct and Character. Our deeds must must match our creeds, and our behavior must be Christlike. Christianity is a relationship and a lifestyle. Thinking of others is the heart of Christlikeness. Even Christ did not try to please himself. It is never too late to start growing!

Our most gracious Heavenly Father, Lord I pray that you make me want to do your will in every action that I have. Thank you for the many blessings that you have so graciously given to me. I pray for all of my friends and family and ask you make them want to do your will also. Protect us as we go out into the world to share your gospel if it be your will. Lord make me be willing to sacrifice my life for you if that is your divine plan. Please forgive me where I fail you. In your precious name I pray......amen.