Daily Devotion, August 1, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Philippians 1:20b-27.

Do you know anyone who seems to always have a good outlook on life, no matter what struggles they may be facing? Christians can certainly have that attitude and passages of Scripture like this one remind us why. Paul is writing from prison and is facing trial and possible execution at the hands of the Romans. The people of his beloved congregation in Philippi are concerned about him, so he lets them know that no matter what happens to him (as the popular phrase goes nowadays) “It’s all good!” If he gets to live longer, he gets to continue to serve the mission of Christ. And if he is executed, he gets to go and be with Christ in heaven. As he sees it, life is good either way!

Paul teaches another core lesson here of what it means to be the people of Christ, which we will delve into deeper next week (as he does in the next chapter). He admits that he would prefer to be in heaven with Christ “...but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.” He still has work to do. He’s still got lessons to teach and sermons to preach; to help many more people know and grow in Jesus Christ. It is that reminder that our calling is to be selfless, rather than selfish.  

Don’t ever forget: as long as you and I are breathing in this body, we still have work to do for Christ our Lord. What a privilege that is! And when it’s all over, we get to go to an eternal celebration in heaven. So no matter whether we are here or there, “It’s all good!”

Personal Worship Option:

Here is one of my favorite verses and chorus from the songs of the Church, written by Eliza Hewitt:

Let us then be true and faithful, trusting, serving every day;

just one glimpse of him in glory will the toils of life repay.

When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!

When we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory!