What Really Matters
Text: Philippians 1:9-11
Theme: We can and should understand what matters most in this life.
Key verses: “I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation–the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ–for this will bring much glory and praise to God” (v. 9-11).
What God said to me: Dwayne, your life is passing by quickly. You only have a little time left. You must understand what really matters, what will stand the test of time and what will make a lasting impact on earth and an eternal difference in heaven. Paul wanted his dear friends at Philippi to understand what really matters. He would want you to know as well. Firstly, your love needs to “overflow more and more.” That means love should start on the inside and fill you up so much that it literally spills out onto other people. You should never have to work yourself up to showing love to others. You should never begrudge the good you do for others because your love is gushing out of you onto them supernaturally. Secondly, you need to “keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.” This is imperative in your Christian life and experience. You should never become stale or stagnant. You must never stop seeking first my Kingdom and righteousness. You must never cease longing for me to know me more and serve me better. Paul says what really matters is that you live a pure and blameless life. Could someone look deep into your life and find something to blame you for? More importantly, could I? You and I both know the answer to that penetrating question. Your thoughts are too often on the world and how to please your flesh. Wickedness is far from purity. Pure and blameless lives start with pure and blameless thoughts and actions. When your life is pure and blameless before me and others, then the fruit and character of your life will come from your salvation and Jesus Christ my Son. This is how you can bring the most glory and praise to me, as you live wholeheartedly for me in front of (and behind) people in this world whom I love and died for.
What I said to God: Holy, most precious One, I thank You for meeting with me this morning. What a privilege and joy to start my day with You! You truly are my Father and Friend. You are my All in All, my Deliverer and Provider and the One who died to set me free. Thank You that You live in me and that because of You I live and breath and have my being. Without You I can do nothing. I am nothing without You in my life. You have made me to be an heir with God and joint heir with Christ Jesus. How can I fathom such depths of love, such heights of peace? Please help me focus on what really matters today. Help see You first with my whole heart and mind and soul and strength. I pray that over my family today as well, for Stephen in Israel today and Justin in Ohio, for Sonia here at home and for Linda and our extended family in other places. May we all run hard after You and draw near to You today.