What really matters?
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. Philippians 1:10 & 11
This is such a crucial question to ask yourself daily. What really matters? What is really important today? What is my purpose for living this day? The apostle Paul encouraged the church at Philippi to understand what really matters. He spells it out for them by saying that he prays for their love to overflow more and more and they will keep growing in knowledge and understanding. Then he goes on to say that they would live pure and blameless lives and be filled with the fruit of their salvation which is the righteous character produced in life by Christ Jesus. The ultimate result will be that they would bring much glory and praise to God.
So, what does that even look like in today’s world? First of all, recognize that it isn’t common or popular. It really wasn’t back in Paul’s day either. Living life with love for others that overflows more and more and living pure and blameless lives sounds like a really hard thing to do for most of the world. Keep in mind this doesn’t mean you have to be perfect. It just means that you live honestly and when you mess up, you own it, repent and get back up again. It is when we justify or cover things up that we are not living in the pureness of God’s love.
Next, he said always be filled with the fruit of your salvation. He goes on to qualify that the fruit of your salvation is a righteous character that is produced by Jesus, not by you. When you live each day clean before the Lord, the fruit of God’s Spirit will show up. It is a result that is guaranteed by Jesus. Living clean/pure is simply coming clean before the LORD in and with all things. Keep everything you do and everything you say submitted to Him and that will produce the righteous character and a good reputation in your life.
Lastly, he says living pure and being filled with the fruit of salvation brings much glory and praise to your Heavenly Father. This is what really matters. Shinning the light on Him and His love and goodness are what is really important and the purpose for living each day.
Today I want to encourage you to discover what really matters. It’s the same for everyone. It is having overflowing love for others increasing in you life and continue to grow in the knowledge and understanding of God’s love. Then shining the light with a pure and blameless life so that those around you can see your righteous character that is produced in your salvation in Christ Jesus. After that, all will glorify God and know the love and goodness He has planned for all those who trust in Him.
Today’s scripture reading: Philippians 1:8-11
The Daily Dose 