In every role: as sisters, mothers, aunts, wives, friends, or employees, we are to have a goal in mind, that is “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation…” (Phil. 2:15a) As we do this, Christ will be magnified in our mortal body to be our power and wisdom to be an acceptable sacrifice to all those in need: “…among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.” (Philippians 2:15b-16) Think about your personal goals and what you desire as a dear saint.
Picture how you can be a lighthouse beaming out into eternity. The treasure God deposited in your inner man can radiate Christ the Word in your life: “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” (II Cor. 4:6-7) Much better than acquiring rubies or gold, this grace doctrine matures us spiritually to live as adult believers and be interconnected members of Christ’s Body. Being left here on earth, we are His arms and legs to minister to others. A delightful thought and opportunity!
Since it is not us and our efforts, but Christ and His resurrection life beaming forth, we can confidently hold forth the Word and run our race as who we are in Christ to be a living sacrifice. This service is approved of God and has eternal benefits. Whether in life or in death, no matter how difficult the challenge, we are “more than conquerors.” (Romans 8:37) God designed it all to work for us.
Philippians 2 provides us with several examples to meditate upon. First and foremost, Christ who loved us with eternal love, became sin, dying for us. (vs 5-11) Paul is the next, serving through his life as our Apostle. (vs 12-18) God planned that he would be our example for edification and negotiating life using the grace doctrine: “For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.” (Acts 9:16) Timothy’s life showed he matured in Christ’s love and naturally cared for the state of others. (vs 19-24) Finally Epaphroditus’ witness reveals that he put his life on the line to minister to the Philippians. (vs 25-30)
To Do: Think upon these men and their ministries. What can you glean from their lives, characteristics, and the fruit of their labor to transform you?
