Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Keeping first things first”
Our Bible verse for today: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone.” Philippians 4:4-5 (HCSB)
Our thought for today: “How we conduct ourselves matters.”
In his book, “Disappointment with God” author Philip Yancey makes an interesting observation about how Christians should live in this world. He writes, “The people of God are not merely to mark time, waiting for God to step in and set right all that is wrong. Rather, they are to model the new heaven and the new earth, and by so doing awaken longings for what God will someday bring to pass.”
Yancey’s point is that despite all the problems and challenges we face, there is much about life on earth that is not only good, but which is a reflection of heaven. This current world gives us glimpses of heaven in things like beauty and splendor, but also in things like godliness, peace, and joy. We, the people of God, should model heaven in the way that we live here on earth. We should call people’s attention to the glory and majesty of God as seen in the things of earth, and we should model Godly virtues by the way in which we conduct ourselves. Doing so will draw others to God.
In Philippians chapter four the Apostle Paul provides some instructions on how to do exactly that. In verse 4 he tells us to be intentional about rejoicing always, and he also says we should make sure our gracious attitude is evident to everyone. He goes on in verses 6 and 7 and tells us to live lives of prayer so that we will then have a great sense of the presence and peace of God. That peace will be seen in our demeanor.
In verse 8 he tells us to be disciplined in our thinking, keeping our mind focused on pure and honorable things. This too will directly affect our character and personality and will be evident to everyone. In verse 11 he writes about the virtue of contentment, and the obvious implication is that we must learn to be content. And in verse 13 he tells us the great secret of living such a life: “I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
How we conduct ourselves in this world matters a lot. People are watching. They do notice. If we are thoughtful and intentional about it, they will see glimpses of heaven as a result of the things we say and do. That then will awaken in them a longing for that better world which the Lord has waiting for those who belong to Him. The problems and challenges we face in this life are not insignificant and they do matter, but how we handle them matters even more.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 