Philippians 1:21-30 (NRSV)
Read Philippians 1:21-30 on biblegateway.com
Verse 21For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. Verse 22If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. Verse 23I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; Verse 24but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Verse 25Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, Verse 26so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.
Verse 27Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, Verse 28and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God's doing. Verse 29For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well- Verse 30since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
Devotion
We like to evaluate people’s prospects. “She has so much potential,” we say when we expect someone to succeed. “He had so much potential,” we say with disappointment when someone fails.
But God sees potential in each of us every day. Paul was not intimidated by his opponents because he knew his potential lay not in himself but in the power of the Messiah he served. Likewise, we die to ourselves and Christ reigns in us. Guided by the indwelling Spirit, we strive side by side for the gospel. As people of God, we have the potential to impact the world in ways beyond our comprehension.
Prayer
Almighty God, teach us to die to ourselves and open our hearts to your purpose for today and tomorrow. Amen.