Philippians 1: 19&20
Yes, I will rejoice, for I know that this will turn out for my
deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus
Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to
shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always,
be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
Paul is once again writing out of Prison. The poor guy seems
to always be writing to people out of prison. But Paul does not get down about
his position of where he is. He knows
that all things work together for good for those who are called (Romans 8:28)
He still lives with the mindset that living to serve Christ and exalt His name
is the only purpose to life.
He lives his life as a servant for Christ ( Rm 1:1 Phil 1:1).
He serves Christ without fear of what others think. And to put it simply if
others thought highly of him they wouldn't have been constantly finding reasons
to put him in jail.
How often do you live your life every second like Paul did
for the cause of exalting the name of Jesus? Often times we go into work, hide
in our little cubical or section of the building and just reside there hoping
no one asks us about our faith. The worst part is most of us live in fear that
we are going to get fired, or going to get into some sort of trouble for being
excited about sharing Jesus and lifting His name to the top of our lives.
Are you afraid to share Jesus? Do you back down when someone
else comes along who says they don’t believe it? Do you have faith enough to
believe that God has you in your job for a purpose far greater than to earn a
measly pay check? Maybe there is only one person He has you there to share His great gift with,
maybe there are 10. The point is you are wherever God has put you for more than just making money.
God’s got all the money in the world to use to help you out trust me, He’s not
worried about your finances the way you are.
I’m not saying stop doing your job and only shout Jesus
name. I am saying the people you work with should at least know you live to a higher standard than they do. Do you blend in with your
co-workers or do you stand out as an individual who has integrity and love and
kindness, never wavering, always willing to lend that helping hand. And are you
the person that if someone asks you what makes you different you would be
bold enough as to share the truth of WHO makes you different.
Do you run out with faith and perseverance not caring if you
get fired from your job or kicked out of a place you like going too because of Jesus? Do you
keep up with the Jones’ way of living life or do you keep up with Jesus way of
life?
Know this, sharing your faith with all may seem scary at first, but when you fall in love with The One who saved you from ever having to go to
hell it’s time you be thankful for it! Embrace
the truths of the life and freedom you have in this knowledge. Daily pick up your sword and shield and ask
Jesus to help defeat the fear that is in your heart. Surrender your wants and desires to Him daily.
Ask him to place His wants, His desires for your life on your heart as well so
that you can be a trustworthy servant like Paul.
Be bold for Jesus each day, He will overcome the fear inside
of you that tells you to shrink back. If Paul could be imprisoned and beat
continually and continue to be bold so that Jesus was known everywhere then so
can we. We have the same Father, same Savior on our side that Paul did!
It’s time we start
using our tools given to us to be bold, be daring, BE JESUS TODAY!!!!
Whether you live or die may your purpose for each day be Jesus exalted in your life today!