Today I read through the book of Philippians and several things caught my eye. In chapter 1, verse 6, we have the encouragement that God does not give up on us, but continues the work that He is doing in our lives until it's complete. I'm thankful for His patience and skill in working on me.
Another thing I noticed, in verse 10 of the same chapter, was the phrase "discern what is best". How often do I actually take the time in prayerful consideration to discern what is best, and how often do I just go with what seems good? That's something that I could use some work on, and another is found in chapter 2, verse 14: "Do everything without complaining or arguing." Both of these things lead to us being pure and blameless, so I think it's important that I learn how to put them into practice more consistently.
In chapter 3, it talks about how knowing Christ outweighs the importance of everything else. Verses 8-9 say, "What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ / and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ - the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith." How will I fully understand this until I have practiced discerning what is best? I have some small understanding and appreciation for it now, but I want to really know Christ, and have this concept fill my life completely.
I love Philippians 4:6-7, it fits so well with yesterday's sermon. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. / And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Placing my cares on God's shoulders, I can take up His peace in whatever situation I'm in.
Speaking of His peace guarding our minds, verse 8 gives a great way to work alongside His peace in that endeavor, "...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." By aligning my mind with God's, I will be preparing to put into practice the things He has called me to. Then not only will the peace of God be with me, but the God of peace Himself will be with me. If I want to know Him, what better way could there be?
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