Dear Friends,
We hope this week's devotional will encourage you in your spiritual walk.
You are welcome to share this and include in your church newsletters if you wish; we just ask that you please give credit to NTC and the author. Thank you!
Philippians 1:21-30: Live Your Life Well
21 For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labour for me; and I do not know which I prefer. 23 I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; 24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. 25 Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, 26 so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.
27 Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, 28 and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. 29 For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well— 30 since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
Devotional:
Are you anxious to be with Christ? In 2020 I’m sure that many people can identify with Paul when he expresses his desire to be finished with the difficulties of this life, and rest with God. But Paul was also conflicted. He knew there was much he could still do to teach and to encourage others in their faith, so his desire to rest was tempered by his desire to see people grow in Christ.
Paul encourages the believers in Philippi – and reminds himself also – that in living they need to not just exist until they die but to live their lives worthy of the gospel. God does not want conversion to be the end of the process. Our Wesleyan theology emphasizes being transformed as we live our lives: being sanctified to become more and more conformed to the image of God.
Prayer:
Our God, our desire is to be at rest in you. But we know that you have not finished with us yet. Help us to live our lives in ways that show your love to those around us. And help us not to tire of being transformed into your likeness. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Nazarene Theological College