Devotional Mar. 25th, 2020
Growing A Legacy Together
Wednesday, March 25th – Philippians 2:1-2 (ESV)
“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”
Before we dive into this section, we will need to get some context. For that let’s look at a few verses earlier Phil. 1:27 “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one Spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the gospel,” Now take a moment and reread verses 2:1-2 with that in mind. I’ll wait.
Isn’t that awesome! Think about what we can do if we were to live our individual lives in conjunction with the Spirit, which in turn leads us to live in conjunction (harmony) with those around us, which leads to the fulfillment of the joy of Paul. Which, the joy from his Spirit is the SAME Spirit that is in you and me. We will be fulfilling our own joy!
Alright, now that I’ve convinced you of how great this all is, let’s get the rubber to meet the road. What does it take for this to ACTUALLY happen? What would it take for us all to be on board, all heading in the same direction, all striving for the same goal, together as one?
First let me say this is a hard one for me. I’ve always been someone to pride myself on purposefully going against the grain, who enjoys being the devil’s advocate, and is contumacious by nature. However I have to come to terms with the value of standing together as one. In the quiet of prayer and conviction of the Spirit I have found one answer: obedience.
Never have I thought of obedience with such encouragement! Let us all rally together in love, joy, and obedience to our God’s will and strive on, together as one. Whatever we do, everything we do, let’s do it together as one so that we will be heard with one voice and one purpose to serve. What a difference we can make.
Father, thank you for another day that wasn’t promised. You are the Author of Good and Architect of Truth. Thank you for giving us your Spirit and thank you for giving us Jesus, that He would die so that we may be with you. I love you. Help us to be obedient to your will, to be joyous in our work, and lovers of righteousness. Give us the strength to set aside differences and disagreements so that we may march forward, together as one, accomplishing your will. Bless our leadership with wisdom and grace helping direct us in righteousness. And bless our church with love and joy that surpasses reason, so that all the world will know who we love and who we serve. Amen.
God Bless,
– Daniel Cummings