In Search Of A Better Tomorrow

Daily devotional: Philippians 3:7-16

Philippians 3:7-16

New International Version (NIV)

7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in[a] Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Following Paul’s Example
15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

Start:

Consider: Many have called Paul the first Christian theologian. Some of his letters—such as the one written to the Romans—contain wonderful details on the meaning of life, redemption, love and the journey of the Christ-follower. But his theology was never removed from life. In fact, to Paul there was no separation between faith and real life.

As Paul explained to the Philippian believers the good news that our righteousness is not dependent on external laws (3:2-9), he gave them a beautiful piece of advice. In case they weren’t grasping all that he had to say, or in case they weren’t ready to receive it, he said…

“All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained.” (3:15-16)

I love that. Even if we’re struggling with our beliefs, the Holy Spirit will clarify things for us if we are sincerely searching for his truth. But in the meantime, let’s live up to the truth that we have already received. We call that “walking in the light” that he sheds upon our path.

“If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)

What has God been teaching you about your journey with him? What has he taught you about how to love? Who has he pointed out to you who needs your love today? Those questions will guide you into how to live this day for him.

Pray: “Lord, you have given me so much and you have taught me more than I thought I could ever comprehend. Much of what you’ve taught me lies in my spirit, not simply in my mind. So please, bring to my awareness today part of that great storehouse of learning and help me to walk in that light.”