Read Philippians 1:20-21 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Discover
One of the hallmarks of Paul’s ministry was that in everything, he wanted Christ to be Lord over his life. He wanted to live for Him, be with Him, serve Him, and tell everyone about Him. Jesus was his priority. Everything else was a means to an end.
In our own lives, we all have something we’re living for. It might be money, pleasure, acceptance, morals, or relationships. When we live for something, everything else becomes subservient to it. And if our definition of living is based on things or circumstances, our joy will be circumstantial. There are plenty of good things in life, but none of them are big enough to fill the space that only Jesus can fill.
So when you look at your life, what would you say you’re living for? Here are some questions to help you reflect:
- What does your calendar say your life is all about?
- What do you daydream about?
- What are you willing to compromise pretty much everything for?
- What are you most fearful of losing?
Live for Christ. Spend a few minutes prayerfully going through the list above. Be honest with yourself and with God about what you’re actually living for and how it’s affecting your joy.
Respond
Use your Philippians Guidebook to reflect and respond. For a digital copy of the guidebook, visit tpcc.org/rebels-guide.
Want to go deeper? Look up the following verses to see what the Old Testament says is worth living for above all else. Note what you observe and then continue with your time of response.
• Isaiah 40:6-8
• Psalm 102:25-27