Philippians 1:12-30
Paul spends quite a bit of time on living for Christ in the second half of Philippians 1. In verse 20 he tells the Philippians that it is his expectation that "Christ will be honored" in his body. He then goes on to explain that living in the flesh for Christ means "fruitful labor" for him (verse 22). That got me thinking....
We all have our own unique circumstances. So think about your situation and answer this question: On a typical day, what are some things you do that would be examples of you honoring Christ in your body and fruitful labor? One thing I do almost every morning is pick out a shirt and tie for my husband and then I iron the shirt so when he gets out of the shower, everything is ready to go. It's a small thing, but it's a way I can show Christ's love to him at the start of the day. Ok, now it's your turn. Tell us what you're doing or maybe what you plan to do this week. Tami W.
Tami, I needed to look up a few things before I responded today. I found that fruitful labor could possibly involve spiritual maturity, and I immediately thought about my involvement in Powered By 4. I must admit that I had not been reading and studying the Bible as I should, and when I discovered this blog, it gave me a chance to grow spiritually by sharing and reading thoughts and ideas about God's word with others. I am so grateful for you and this blog, which is making me "think" about my spiritual life and what kinds of "fruiful labor" I should be considering.
I am enjoying your devotionals and they speak very specifically to me. Because of that and because of today's devotional and question, some things I do to honor Christ are to get up and make coffee for my wife even though I'm not a coffee drinker.
Another thing I do is to pray for my family and especially one young mom who is battling depression. After praying and getting up, I come down and check my emails, eagerly expecting God to show me some new stuff through your devotional, and then I pass the devotional on to that young mom battling depression along with some of my own comments. She has written back to me saying that several times she has been wrestling with a particular idea and then goes to the computer looking for my latest email and the devotional and my extra comments are precisely what has been troubling her.
For example, one day last week Tami's comments got me to thinking about our peripheral vision which is limited to space and comparing it to God's peripheral vision which is not limited to space, but which also includes all time so that He can see the beginning from the end. That was precisely what she had been wrestling with.
This morning's devotional, and particularly verses 29 and 30, reminded me why I do what I do, and that those two verses were able to be passed on to this young mom because we have gone through that long, dark valley of depression and by the grace of God my wife has been healed. She is completely back to normal and now we can empathize and help people like this young mom on a daily basis as our God-honoring privilege.
Dear Tami,
Most mornings I make my husband breakfast(something that is healthier than what he makes). I pray for persons who have asked me and also for others.
A former colleague/friend passed and was buried last Friday and I have been visiting and keeping in touch with the family to give them comfort. There have been quite a few adversities in their life, and the mom who passed away bore those adversities with dignity. She never complained but relied on God always. This week with God's help, I will keep in touch with them. They require assistance and I am trying to work with them to get that help. I must say that so far we can see God's awesomeness, people are coming forward with support and I pray and ask for your prayers for this [personal info removed] family in Barbados that God will continue to look out for them and strengthen them. I believe they are reaping what their mom sowed. Amen.
Morning Tami & et al.,
This week, I'm planning to further befriend a family that was a part of my small group for our church wide love study. The wife/mother of the family [info removed] doesn't 'share' easily, so her husband is having a few friends over this evening to watch the NBA championship game and he invited me to come. I wanted to make sure that it was ok with his wife (and to make sure that she was comfortable with having me over). Anyway, she sent a text this morning and invited me over, so I'm hoping to continue to strengthen a bond with her and the family.
I am also 'suffering' for Christ's sake in continuing to befriend someone overseas who betrayed me deeply earlier this year. I am being obedient to the Holy Spirit in maintaining contact in hopes that this person will grow in their relationship with the Lord. Please keep me in your prayers because this particular circumstance is very difficult.
I absolutely LOVE this blog & I look forward to being challenged in the Word daily with your questions Tami!! Grace & Peace to everyone!!
My daily life requires me to be kind and friendly to all people and my family, to be considerate and consistent at work, to use every opportunity at work to speak about Christ and to live a life that is pleasing to God so that in all things Christ will be honored.
to honor Christ in my body i have been trying to watch what i eat esp portions . i am very involved in a ministry at church called Living Free . it is also known as Turning Point. we are team leaders for a high school ministry called YoungLife . i try to look at every encounter with someone as a divine appointment to share Jesus with them . and sometimes the Holy Spirit says "sshhhh" ... every chance the Lord gives me to share my testimony i do . i find it strengthens believers and gives unbelievers something tangable that God is real and loves them .15 years of freedom from drugs and alcohol after a 16 year addiction ... PRAISE THE LORD !!!
I will love when loved and when not loved to show the love of Christ. I will stand firm on the word of God as a light before my path and a law/guidance to my actions and decisions. Standing firm on God's word and telling people the truth is loving and it reflects Christ even when it seem to not be so much. If you are lying to someone or not telling the whole truth which is a lie altogether, you are not loving that person, but setting them up for failure and when you think about it eternal damnation.
I try to hear and please my Lord, as well as hear and please my husband. Just listening, retaining, and doing, is alot of labor in itself, and it's definately fruitful. As a human, I may goof up alot, but it's certainly worth a continual trying. I do see alot of fruit in the love I recieve from my husband, and in my relationship with the Lord.
I know this may sound silly, but everyday before I even brush my teeth, I spend time in God's Word. It is my way of giving God my "first fruit", instead of letting the day get busy and then trying to fit God in then as an after thought.
Then I purpose to live everyday as an act of Worship, in what I say think and do. It has not been easy. The closer I draw to Him, the more spiritual attacks I receive, but I have learned to keep my eyes on Jesus...He's absolutely worth it!
I want to show small acts of kindness towards others. I want to encourage people, smile and greet people with warmth and be positive amid a lot of negativity. I want to show love to my husband and kids without the rush of thinking of what I have to do next. Simply put, be still, show love, and bask in the presence of the Lord.
I try to tell as many people as possible to have a good day. I also try to show respect to my customers and employer. I really believe that in providing great customer service, we can also show Christ's love.
i try to be patient..... and i do my best to do my work even my employer not around..