Philippians 2:12-13 reminds us that we are not on this journey alone. The path of picking up our cross and following Jesus is a work being accomplished in us by God’s Spirit. As we sincerely engage in “working out our salvation with fear and trembling,” the Spirit reveals the Word of God (1 Corinthians 2:14), clearly illuminating the flesh and the Spirit (Galatians 5:19-28) and exposing the thoughts and intentions of our hearts (Hebrews 4:12). This empowers us to put off the old self and put on the new (Ephesians 4).
This is our practice of God’s presence—allowing His Spirit to bring to light the areas of our lives that need His touch and acknowledging our response to Him. We must endeavor to obey His guidance as we journey forward.
However, we must be cautious of pride creeping in. We may begin to see others through a different lens, thinking they don’t study, serve, give, or attend church like we do (Romans 14:4-5, 19). When we compare ourselves to others, we risk transforming our journey into a mere religious act instead of truly living in God’s presence. In His presence, we encounter the person of God in Jesus, and comparisons fade as we recognize our continual need for salvation in the areas being revealed. When we walk with Jesus, comparison to others is eliminated and we allow his presence to be transformative in our lives and in the lives of others.
Let us walk in the Spirit.
inspired by David Nasser a call to die
Competition is a good thing. I want to be the best at the things I engage in. Even things I do for Christ. As I Deacon, I want to be the best Deacon at the church – not to be better than others, but to better myself each day.
I learned early on not to judge others on their faith walk or how they serve. Each of us has different talents and abilities. I want to encourage everyone to find God’s purpose in their lives and to strive to be the MVP in that.
I pray that my focus stays on serving God and not self – I know that line is thin and I’m glad that we have each other to help us keep on the right side of living.
I just realized that the writer of this devotional is Nick. Go figure! It’s incredibly profound yet very relatable, like Nick. Thanks for creating this, brother!
With that said, here are my thoughts on today’s message. I would be so lost without the guidance of the holy spirit. I know this for sure because I lived it. I tried to do life without God and it put me on a road that was quickly leading to life in prison. Not metaphorically, actual prison; but God stepped in! When I pray, I typically begin by thanking God for his hand on my life. This is the most important aspect of my life. Without Him I will ultimately fail at all things eventually. But I have Him, and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). I believe this whole heartedly. Sometimes pride tries to sneak in. Let’s be honest, it sneaks in a lot. But I am constantly reminded (by the spirit) that without the guidance of the spirit, I would be a prisoner on my way to hell. Thanks the Lord for His mercy and grace!
It is for freedom Christ has set us free! (Galatians 5:1) I am grateful for the Spirits loving prompting keeping on the track of freedom.