And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
God is not finished with me yet. I am a work in progress.
Paul describes himself (and Timothy) as “servants of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:1).
I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. Philippians 1:12-13 (ESV)
Even Paul’s imprisonment is in service to Christ. Even when he is being held as a prisoner, Paul is full of love and joy. His life is not perfect. He can’t do the things he wants to do, but he chooses joy. He makes a choice to focus on what really matters. An eternal focus. Eternal priorities.
Paul says that even if he dies, it brings him joy because he will be with Jesus. But, living means “fruitful labor” for Christ. Life means a life lived in the joy of Christ and in service to others, leading them toward this Jesus Who has done so much for him. Joyful service.
How does Paul start this chapter and this life of joyful service? With prayer and gratitude.
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy Philippians 1:3-4 (ESV)
To live a life of joyful service to Christ, we have to start our days the same way. With prayer and gratitude.
Otherwise, the service becomes an act of duty rather than devotion. We start to resent the acts of service to others to which we are called.
With constant communion with our God and a heart of gratitude, we see our lives as lived to the glory of God, regardless of whether people treat us well or approve of us. A life lived for the only One who really matters is one that emulates Christ with a heart of joy and a willingness to serve other people.
Action Step: How about you? Are you like me? Do you struggle to keep your joy and focus on eternal priorities on the fifth load of laundry, while scrubbing the toilet, cooking dinner for picky eaters, or drilling math facts with a forgetful child? Maybe you have a bigger problem right now, like Paul did in prison. Let’s focus on what really matters this week and align our priorities with God’s eternal purpose. Let’s begin our days with prayer and gratitude. I really want to keep my joy all day, so I am going to write in my calendar and set an alert on my phone to remind me throughout the day to thank God for something, anything, and re-establish the link of communion with Him.
Dear God, only You can bring joy even in stressful situations. Help me to align my priorities with Your desire. To live a life that pleases You and brings You glory. Enable me to serve joyfully each day, drawing others to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.