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Thoughts on Today’s Verse…
Do you have long-term spiritual goals that align your daily behaviors with your faith? Paul certainly had at least these two: “I don’t want to be ashamed but courageous” and “I want Christ to be exalted in my body, by life or by death.” What are your long-term spiritual goals? Could you join Paul in his ultimate goals? How are these ultimate goals good for all of us? What makes it hard to live with these ultimate goals? I don’t know about you; I don’t want to be ashamed, I want to be courageous, and I want Christ to be exalted in my body, whether by life or death.
My Prayer…
Sacrificial and all-powerful God, forgive me for my sins, especially the sin of living with improper priorities. I want your grace and loving-kindness to be seen in how I conduct my life and treat those around me. In addition, please give me the courage to communicate in word and deed what exalts you, brings you praise, and encourages others. In Jesus’ name, I ask this. Amen.
Bible References
20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
Philippians 1:20
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
Christians are not promised a life of ease and no problems. What we are promised is when we cling to Christ, a peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7) in the midst of our troubles. And that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).
Christ is not made greater by us exalting Him in our life, He is already great, and nothing we can do will make Him greater. But to exalt or magnify Him means to cause Him to be greatly respected and admired by others. I read this commentary by Guy King which explains how Christ can be magnified in our bodies:
…..magnified by lips that give happy testimony to Him; magnified by hands eager to serve Him; magnified by feet only too happy to go on His errands; magnified by knees happily bent in prayer for His kingdom; magnified by shoulders happy to bear one another’s burdens.
Most Christians who are serious about living our lives for Christ pray that we will have great courage to be an accurate witness for Christ in our walk and talk each day. There will be days we do and days we don’t because we are human, but when we keep our focus on Christ and not this world, a life for Him is lived out! I am so thankful that God’s love for me is not dependent on my actions. But my love for Him, and blessings in this life are directly tied to my obedience to God and His Word (John 14:15, 2 John 1:6, Luke 11:28).
My precious Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me and for shedding Your blood for the forgiveness of my sins! Help me each day to magnify You in my life and body Lord. To exalt You above all else and to keep my eyes on You and Your kingdom. I love You so my Prince of Peace, my King of Kings, and my Lord of Lords, Amen!