Posted by: Shirley Smith on Wed, May 5, 2021
Philippians 1:10-11
I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation-the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ-for this will bring much glory and praise to God. Philippians 1:10-11 (NLT)
Maturing in my relationship with Jesus has helped me identify inaccurate thoughts I've had regarding my faith. For instance, take the matter of living a pure and blameless life-I believed it mattered solely because God expected it. Failing to meet His expectations would either disappoint or anger Him. My attitudes and behaviors would either receive His reward or result in consequences. End of story.
Now I understand things differently, The apostle Paul's prayer for the believers in Philippi helps me see that living a blameless life matters but for reasons other than avoiding punishment. It matters because I represent Jesus to a watching world. Representing Jesus places a responsibility on me to behave with integrity. Unbelievers expect that from me and rightfully so, But sometimes I fall short. My old nature wrestles with the new and wins. When that happens, it's my responsibility to try to make things right.
My behavior can either make Jesus attractive to those who don't know Him, or it can turn them away. Thankfully, He's all about helping me succeed. As I surrender my will to Him, He transforms me through the power of His Spirit living in me. I become more like Him and my life creates a curiosity in others to know the One who changes me and gives me hope. - Grace Fox
Faith Step: Ask Jesus to make your life like salt, creating a thirst in others for the Living Water.
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