Theme of the Week: Book of the Bible – Philippians
Bible Verse: For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21
Scripture Reading: Philippians 1:12-30
We used to live on a couple acres with about half of that being lawn. When we first moved into that place, I would push mow the acre of lawn, usually taking better than two hours to get it done. Despite the long time, I enjoyed it; I like to mow. I especially like making neat, straight lines when I mow. This is hard to do on a huge lawn because of the distance you travel on each pass.
What made those straight lines possible was a distant focal point, usually a tree in the forest at the end of the lawn. When I focused on the end of the lawn, and made straight for it, I would get a straight line every time. If I looked down and focused on the ground in front of me, the lines would be wavy.
Working with the end in mind really helped with the success of that chore.
This works the same in life. Once we understand the end game, we can make much better decisions mid-game.
Paul understood that the end game for him was eternity with Jesus. This final destination was something that he longed for because it was better by far. And that is the truth about this life. Sometimes things here are great, and sometimes they are extremely difficult. Being with Jesus for eternity is better than anything we could ever experience in this life.
But then, Paul looks at the needs of those around him. People needed him. They needed his wisdom, his devotion to Jesus, his encouragement. And so, he is content to wait for that great, final destination in order to ensure that others could experience it to.
It was because he was so clear on that final destination, though, that he was so focused in this life. He was living with the end in mind.
Because eternity with Jesus is in your future, live every moment with that in mind.
Prayer: My dear friend Jesus, thank you that you have made the possibility of eternity with you a reality. You gave Your life for me to experience eternal life and I am forever grateful. Help me never to lose sight of that end game. While I live here in this life, I want each day to be lived with that end in mind. I am here now, so help me be all here. Help me to love my wife, to love my children, to serve my friends and neighbors and co-workers well. You deserve that kind of life, and it is the kind of life that will fill me with the most joy. Amen.
Reflection: What is Jesus saying to you about how you are living your life? Do you understand that you are here on purpose? There is a reason why you are not in heaven yet. Make the most of each moment, knowing that your eternity is secured in Christ.
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