SUNDAY January 16, 2022
Be Mature in Christ
Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.
Philippians 3:15-16
Those who are mature or “complete” in Christ will have the same mind and philosophy as Paul. They press ahead in the upward call that God has for their lives. Paul knew he was not perfect, but he pressed onward, and endured to the very end. He looked forward to glorification––when he would be perfect in heaven with Jesus. He lived for eternity––heaven was constantly on his mind––not the things of this earth.
Mature Christians seek the Lord for His will in serving Him on earth. They look forward to eternity in heaven. Imagine what God is preparing for us in eternity? It is going to be amazing! Let us not fall backwards into depression and doubt. This world is temporal. There is so much evil, sin, pain and suffering. When we get to heaven there will be only joy. Think of the chorus of angels singing heavenly worship, and the reunion of Christians with one another.
God has a plan, a work for your life, but once your work is over, He will take you home to be with Him in glory. Understand, the only things we can take with us to heaven are our soul and spirit. All the material things we possess will be left behind for other people to enjoy and spend. I believe with all my heart it would be better to give financially to God for the work of the ministry––to win more souls!
Paul mentioned the word mind twice in these two verses. Christian unity is still an important subject. Unity between believers comes from seeking the Lord together. There should be no disunity or strife among Christians. We are to be of one mind and heart as we serve the Lord together.
We cannot expect the world to believe that the Father sent the Son, that Jesus’ claims are true and that Christianity is true, unless the world sees some reality of the oneness of true Christians.
~Francis Schaeffer~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
