“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9-11 [emphasis mine]
There are many good things to do, many places to be, so many people to connect with that it’s hard to discern what is best among all the good that clamors for attention. As we try to manage the good we can forfeit the best and find ourselves unproductive and unfruitful, even in the midst of a schedule full of good things. How does one sort it all out? God’s word gives us specific guidance in Philippians 1:9-11.
Discerning what is BEST leads to fruitful living that pleases God. The instruction is specific.
B- Be intentional about growing in your love for God. This will change the way you act.
E- Enlarge your knowledge of God and how He loves you. Learn about who Him. This will change the way you think.
S- Seek His Spirit to give you a depth of insight that surpasses your own. This will guide you in how to share His love.
T- Thank God at every turn. That will keep your heart tuned to His grace and love and will overflow your life with a fruitfulness that will change not only you, but also the world around you.
Which one of these four is the easiest for you? Which is the hardest? Let us know in the comments.
Father God,
I do want to be able to discern what is best among the many things that call for my attention. Thank you for this instruction that Your love is the foundation of all I am and all I am called to do. Please help me to be intentional about focusing on Your love for me and on growing in my knowledge of who You are. By Your Spirit I ask that You change the way I think and act as I experience Your love in a greater way. Please give me divine insight in sharing Your love. Make my life fruitful in a way that reaches far beyond the list of all the good and busy things I can attend to. Give me Your wisdom to discern what is best as I seek to be changed by Your love and to share that love with my world. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Take Action
Take some time to ask yourself if the best is being forfeited by the good in your life? Talk it over with the Lord.
Resource: Learn more about God today (worksheet)
About the author: Learn more about Gail at www.gailrodgers.ca
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