Looking Back

Philippians 1:20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.

This scripture yesterday stopped me in my tracks. I knew I wanted to write about it, but yet I could not figure out what direction; I still this morning am moved by it’s content and context. Philippians is a book that Paul seemingly admits how bad he wants to depart and go to be with Jesus. He knows that all he is suffering for the advance of the Gospel, will be gone, and only paradise known at the feet of Christ. His desire is to be with Christ; surely if you are truly pursuing him yourself that desire is welling up inside of you also. How well do you know Him, if you do not desire to be with Him above anything and everything here?

There is also the side of Paul that much more deeply desires to serve Christ; in all he does to glorify Christ; in all of his life to spread the Good News of Christ. When we are called home, we will no longer perform any good work for him. Our life story is complete, and we must reflect on how we lived our lives for our short time here for eternity. Did we live as Paul, or did we live for the pursuits and pleasures of the world? Paul goes on in this passage to say; 27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel. Paul is pointing to how you live, in the light for those to see, and in the dark where nobody sees. Integrity is defined as doing the right thing when nobody is looking. Is Christ being glorified in you outside of Sunday?

I am feeling strong convictions in this study. I lived my life for all this world could give for so many years in prideful, sin-filled pursuits of pleasure. I hang my head in shame, much like Paul did. My hearts desire is to let God work out Sanctification in me, no matter the pain, and no matter how many times I still fail him daily. This work of God in me is constant and deep; he has out his hammer and chisel whittling me down to his liking; removing sin, pricking those that remain. Do you truly want to draw closer to Christ, and use your life to glorify him for your short time here? Does what you say or do reflect that heart’s desire outside of Sunday? Look at your focus in life, look at your posts on FB, look at your toys, listen to your conversations. Is your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ? If your hearts desire is to draw closer to God, for your life to draw glory to God, then pray to God to do a work in you that only he can. Be ready to accept what the Spirit points out, and be ready for your life to never be the same. Let today be the day you look back from eternity and see that humble heart was changed, and your life was spent doing something that mattered for eternity.