Daily Reading: Philippians 2
Scripture Focus: Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. (Philippians 2.2-3)
Devotional Thought: I think that Paul - though he wouldn't say it like this - had a favorite church, and it was the church in Philippi. They were so good to him, unwavering in their support of and confidence in him. Though he was full of joy because of them, he asked them to do something to make his joy complete.
What can we do to make Jesus' joy complete?
· Be of the same mind. That doesn't mean that we think exactly alike, but it does mean that we approach life from the same perspective, a Kingdom perspective.
· Have the same love. This is love in action. It goes out of its way to meet the needs of the other.
· Be in full accord. We are to have the same identity. We are first and foremost Christians.
· Be of one mind. This goes beyond being of the same mind. It means that we intentionally focus on the same thing: Jesus Christ!
· Do nothing selfishly. Focused on Jesus, we become like him. Jesus didn't come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom. What motivates us? Is it the same thing that motivates Jesus?
· Count others ahead of yourself. It's not that I am insignificant. Sometimes, I must care for myself so that I can care for others. But, again it is the motive that's important.
This is a tall order. How can we hope to make Jesus' joy complete? We can't, but Jesus can! Verse 5 says, "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus." Jesus will do it in us! But, we have to stay in the Word and in prayer for that to happen.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be transformed by the renewing of my mind. Help me to have the mind of Christ more and more so that I can please you more and more. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 132.1-5
1 Remember, O Lord, in David's favor,
all the hardships he endured,
2 how he swore to the Lord
and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob,
3 “I will not enter my house
or get into my bed,
4 I will not give sleep to my eyes
or slumber to my eyelids,
5 until I find a place for the Lord,
a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.”
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