PAUSE TO REMEMBER 3

 

PAUSE TO REMEMBER 3

Phil.1:3-11

Everyone has a story. Everyone who knows Christ knows what a difference He makes in his life. If Jesus makes no difference in how we live and view life, we know about Christ, but we don’t know Him. The better we get to know the Lord, the more we realize how we are to act as His children. Paul gives us some guidance in our text for today.

We are to give thanks for one another. 3 Let’s be honest with ourselves. We don’t normally do a very good job of it. Instead, we are quick to see the negatives in one another. We are quick to criticize and find fault with how others act or speak. Paul says instead that we should thank the Lord for other. Thank the Lord daily for others. Thank Him for your family members, friends, mentors, spiritual leaders, pastors, teachers, missionaries, public servants, etc. There is no excuse for us to not thank the Lord for others.

Not only should we be aware of others and thank the Lord for them, we should pray for them. 4,9 Everyone needs someone to pray for them. No one can stay true to the Lord without someone praying for them. Pray for those you know who are serving the Lord. Pray for those who serve as government leaders. Pray for the safety and well-being of those who daily put their lives on the line to protect and provide services for you.

We are to think well of one another. 5 How well we think of one another affects the wellness of the church body and ourselves. If you think well of someone, you will show them respect and kindness. You will act graciously towards them. You will strive to build them up and not tear them down.

We are to serve alongside of one another. 7 We are not in a competition for souls. We should complement each other’s service. It’s not a power or popularity contest. We are all part of the family of God and should act like it.

We are to desire what is best for one another. 9-11 We should never wish other believers harm. We should spur one another on in love. We should want not only what is best for them, but if we have opportunity, do what we can to help make it happen.

Be your best and do your best for the honor and glory of Christ in the Kingdom of God.