He could have planned it another way…
Paul, prompted by the Spirit of God writes one of the most encouraging letters in the New Testament. In Philippians 2:14-16 we read, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.”
He gives some practical application but notice he writes, “so that… I will have reason to glory”. Their walk and faith in Christ were encouraging to Paul. Their example of faith, generosity, living without complaining, and pursuit of Jesus was encouraging to those around them and to Paul. Leading up to this Paul encourages the church through the example of Christ and writes, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,” Philippians 2:5
The Father could have planned it another way but chose His Son to be an example for us to follow. Paul encourages us to have the same mind of Christ. He then lives his life as an example and encourages us to do the same. Do you know your obedience in faith is encouraging to others? As you follow Jesus, share scripture, pray with and for others, and live with hope in this crooked generation you are “lights in the world” for the sake of the gospel? So… go encourage one another today! Don’t neglect the gift of today that’s been given to you.
What has the Lord spoken to you through Philippians 2 today?
- To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.