What is Best?

Philippians begins with Paul writing from prison. He loves the church in Philipi, but he isn't sure if he's going to be able to see them again. There are those who are preaching the gospel because they want to be famous and see it as a way to get there. There are others who are preaching the gospel because they genuinely want to follow Jesus and see others come to know him. In that way not much has changed over the years. But Paul isn't worried about being in jail. He tells the church that what God started doing in them will be finished. God is faithful, He doesn't leave things undone. Paul's encouragement to them is basically: 'it doesn't matter if I come or not, God is the one doing the work anyway.' I think his prayer for them is very revealing:

"Father, may their love grow more and more in wisdom and insight so they will be able to examine and determine the best from everything else. And on the day of the Liberating King, the day of His judgment, let them stand pure and blameless, filled with the fruit of authentic righteousness that ripens through Jesus, the Liberator."

Everything is founded on love. Because of their love they will be able to determine what is best and stick to doing that. I think that prayer is appropriate for today as well. We can easily spend all of our time on good things and forget what is best. What are the things that really matter. What will matter 100 years from now? Will it matter if you got to watch the FGCU vs UF game? Or might it matter more that you got to hold your child and tell him about the love of Jesus? Might it matter more to do devotions with your wife?

My prayer is the same. May God grant me wisdom to use the time He has given me on what is best, for His glory.

Enjoy the Journey