Paul prayed that the Philippians would "learn to value the things that really matter." He wanted their relationship with Christ to shine a light on their priorities, surpass them in importance, and cause them to reappraise all as loss (Phil 3:7-8). Once the Philippians forfeited everything because of their love for Jesus and accounted all else dung, Christ would truly be their Wealth (Phil 3:8). Thus they would have learned to value the things that really matter by valuing the One Who really matters, Jesus Christ.
Do your priorities seem insane to those "set upon the things of this world"? (Phil 3:19) Are others surprised or even threatened by the changes in your life? Are you worth persecuting? (see 2 Tm 3:12) Has your relationship with Jesus had a dramatic effect on your lifestyle? Does your life make sense only to those who know Jesus personally? Are you "crucified to the world"? (Gal 6:14) Do you "find that the world hates you"? (Jn 15:18) Is your lifestyle in the same Spirit as that of the early Church after Pentecost?
Unless Jesus is Lord of our lifestyle, He's not Lord of our lives.
| PRAYER: | Father, may my lifestyle be a clear prophecy of Your presence, love, and truth. |
| PROMISE: | "He took the man, healed him, and sent him on his way." –Lk 14:4 |
| PRAISE: | It was through an economic recession that Peter learned what was truly valuable in life, his faith, and family. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College