Philippians 1:20 says, 'According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.' People spend most of their lives just existing, just getting by. But God intends for us to do more than just survive. He has big plans for us but we won't ever realize them until we come out of our comfort zone and begin to live life as He intended.
In this scripture, Paul gives us insight into his goal in this life. He states that it is his earnest expectation for his life to bring glory to and magnify Christ. In everything he did, he fully intended for his actions to point people to Jesus Christ. That's all he wanted. He wasn't trying to make a name for himself or brag about his accomplishments. He simply wanted folks to know the same Jesus he knew rather than the Jesus from stories that have been handed down from person to person and generation to generation.
Paul was a man who knew his capabilities and his faults. He was able to use both to his advantage in ministry. His advanced education enabled him to have deep theological conversations with the religious men of his time. But his shortcomings allowed him the opportunity to converse with the common folks. Either way, he meant to glorify and magnify the name of Christ.
Our lives should do the same thing. What we do every day should cause people to notice something in us that inspires them to seek out Christ. We have got to pay attention to our actions and the words we use. People are watching and they are listening. The world has heard the religious rhetoric for far too long. They have heard us claim the name of Christ without any power or influence to back it up. Folks have listened half-heartedly when we tried to witness to them. But it's time we move beyond trying to just tell people about Jesus but show them Jesus through our lives. If people can't watch you for a few minutes and recognize the Christ in you, something may be out of line.
I'm not saying we are going to live perfect, without messing up from time to time. But if people know you and know your relationship with Christ, then your mistakes, and your acknowledgement of them, will only cause them to respect you more. Humility goes a long way in earning respect from your peers. Paul was the first to admit his faults and failures, and it served him well.
We have to stop being religious and be relational in our every day lives. Stop telling people that they have to be saved or they're going to hell and start showing them how wonderful the saved life really is. Folks have been hit over the head with the bible for so long that they have become immune to its effect. I'm not saying to stop witnessing. I am telling you that your life speaks volumes. Now, how are you living yours?
I used to be one of those that condemned everyone I saw mowing their yard on Sunday. I would angrily fuss at somebody for cussing loudly. I'd get mad when I got stuck in line at the store behind someone buying beer and lottery tickets. But what did that get me but an upset mind, an angry spirit, and high blood pressure to boot. That attitude doesn't help anybody. 'Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven.' Matthew 5:16.
If you will be a light today and allow your life to glorify God, not only will you affect someone's life for good, but you will be encouraged yourself.
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