discipleship | Daily Encouragement

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:”. (Philippians 2:5, NIV)

The thought in today’s verse doesn’t end with the “:”. Paul goes on to specify the attitudes that reflect the mind of Christ, which are:

a. Regarding gifts as opportunities. . . (Verse 6) Some gifts you have, and some gifts you are! Each are given to us for service, not for status!

b. . . . in servitude. . . (Verse 7) “Service” is an act or series of acts in support of others. (Being served is a good thing, but have you ever received a service from someone who wasn’t “into it”?) On the other hand, “servitude” is an attitude.

c. . . . through humble obedience. (Verse 8) A star athlete falls short of his or her potential when the coach is not obeyed. Likewise, we must do, go, and be as the Holy Spirit directs; not for our own glory, but for the glory of God.

Are you cultivating “the same mindset as Christ Jesus” in your relationships with others? – Luther

Tagged discipleship, obedience, service, servitude, the book of Philippians

September 1

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“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.’” (I Corinthians 15:33, NASB)

. . . or the modern corollary to St. Paul’s maxim: “You can’t soar with eagles when you run with turkeys.”

Lest we think that what is referenced here are our associations (as in, “avoid troubled people because their troubles will rub-off on you”), that is not the case. The Young’s Literal Translation of this verse reads: “Be not led astray; evil communications corrupt good manners.”

The J. B. Phillips Translation of this verse gives us even more clarity: “Don’t let yourselves be deceived. Talking about things that are not true is bound to be reflected in practical conduct.”

As disciples of Jesus, if God chooses to put us in dark places (as He may), it is because we are “the light of the world”; our job is to shine for Him! If God chooses to put us in places where the risk of moral decay is imminent (as He will), it is because we are “the salt of the earth”; our job is to be salty — and to preserve! (Please see Matthew 5:13-16 for the complete text.)

Today, and everyday, may our personal ambition as “light and salt” be gracious manners in a coarse world; the purest intentions in a jaded and skeptical sphere; and utterances that are scrupulously true in a community where the “truth” is often an amalgam of reality, convenience, and veiled self-interest.

Do not be fooled! While words that are gracious, pure, and truthful bring hope, light, and life to others; when we allow gossip, innuendo, and lies to invade our communications with others, it is our own daily conduct, moral authority, and personal character that is corrupted — and we become the problem instead of the solution. – Luther