Oh, that we would have a passion, heart, mind and drive for God’s glory and faithfulness in service to a God who would personally pay the debt we owed so that we might be acceptable in His glorious presence.
Paul tips us off as to values, drives and the mindset we should embrace, engage and emulate.
If saved – GREAT! That is, if saved on His terms, NOT ours!
So, saved? Truly saved? Why will God let you into His heaven? Your answer?
Again, if saved – Yeah! Being saved is to have purpose, hope, joy, peace, love in life and to see and appreciate the beauty of God’s world and work – to be amazed (Psalm 66:3-5). What a blessing!
- However, being saved and thus adopted by God is just the beginning. We are but young children needing to “put off” and “put on” (Colossians 3:5-17) in order to grow in spiritual maturity.
Consider Paul:
Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus, Philippians 3:12-14.
So, do not be stuck in the past but focused on the future – strain forward – press forward – toward God’s glory and calling!
- As a Christian, we should sacrificially and aggressively love other believers as did Jesus, be passionate that they have a deep knowledge of God’s ways and will and that they too be discerning of the things that slow and stop growth.
Consider Paul:
For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, Philippians 1:8-9.
- As a Christian, we should accept the set-backs, pain, troubles, mockery and indignations of life as God’s will for the declaring of the news that there is victory in Jesus and Jesus alone!
Consider Paul:
But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel…knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel, Philippians 1:12, 17.
- As a Christian, we should be excited for Heaven – not fearful of death – and also excited to stay in this present life that God might further use us for His glory.
Consider Paul:
For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless, to remain in the flesh is more needful for you, Philippians 1:23-24.
- As a Christian – “Not my will, but Your will be done!” – Submissive and Driven!
Oh, that we would see past the present to the finish line and arrive there having been faithful every step of the way. Finish as faithful ambassadors living for Him in joy!
Consider Paul:
And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God, Acts 20:22-24.
May we live as new creations on a mission with passion and joy for God.
a PK Musing 
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