Reach for the Best

Philippians 1:9-11 The church in Philippi had a special place in Paul’s heart. They were the only ones that had come to his aid when he was really up against it. (Phil. 4:15) In our Scripture for today Paul is praying for the church in Philippi and if we look carefully at its content, we can obtain some valuable direction for our own lives. It is important to notice that Paul is not telling them that they don’t love because they obviously do. Paul’s desire is that it should continue to grow more and more in greater abundance. Random, ad hoc acts of love certainly have their place; but expressed with knowledge and insight into the situation at hand it can be much more helpful and accurately directed. Discernment is such a valuable trait to have. It is a God given set of “eyes” that can see into and through situations and choose God’s best. Love is not a one size fits all, in fact, an act of love in one situation may be dangerous enablement in another. “God’s best” may in one case be a smile and a kind word, in another it may be saying no to another’s perceived need, or it may even be to lay down one's life in behalf of another. The idea of pure and blameless is to be on the same page with God, not part of the problem, but part of the solution. It is a keeping on keeping on until Jesus returns. When we come to Christ His righteousness is put on our account. As His righteousness bore fruit as He expressed His love to those He ministered to; so too the righteousness that He places in us should be bearing fruit as our love for one another abounds more and more. The fruit of righteousness results in changed lives. It will bear the stamp and resemblance of Jesus. The source is always Jesus Christ. The goal is always to be to the praise and glory of God.