I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me. (Philippians 1:25-26, NIV)
Likely you are familiar with the popular television show Duck Dynasty. Recently Willie, the president of Duck Commander and father of 14-year-old daughter, Sadie, took his daughter’s boyfriend out on a hunt. He had just found out that the boy was taking Sadie to a dance, and like any father who loves his daughter he wanted the boy to have a proper perspective for dating his daughter.
Willie took the young suitor on a snake hunt in the swamp. At the first sight of a snake, Willie whipped out his pistol and annihilated the snake, ripping off about 10 shots at close range. The cameras turned to the boy’s face, and you could see “the fear of God” on his countenance. Any ulterior motives the boy had with dating Willie’s daughter were blown away as Willie’s actions screamed, “This is what happens to snakes who come onto my property!!!”
Question to ponder: How pure are your intentions each day with the people around you? Strong question, I know, challenging even our no-big-deal attitudes in situations like a “friendly” golf match. It’s hard to want the best for others when it demands something difficult or sacrificial from us!
Paul revealed his own motives and heart for being with the people in Philippi, and his intentions give us a guide even now as we build meaningful friendships. “Progress and joy in the faith” lay behind Paul’s desire for spending time with people. He wanted people to know Jesus, to grow in their relationship with Christ, and to overflow with joy.
When we begin by considering Christ’s own motivation for making the ultimate sacrifice–the love-inspired salvation of his disciples–we find the motivation we need to love others in this way. And when we draw on the Holy Spirit’s power to do what we cannot do in our flesh, we receive the strength we need to carry out such love. So in the end, our joy comes from seeing the maturing of our brothers and sisters as they walk in joy with Jesus.
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Korky Kemp
August 27, 2013
Copyright 2013 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.