Live Up To What We Have

Philippians 3:16

Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

We all know what we know. We have some idea of how God loves us, and some of what he has revealed to us of Himself, of who He is. We have learned that we ought to be kind, to love our neighbor, to help the poor, because that's how God is good to us. But how often do we just think of ourselves, of what would serve our purposes, of what would please us. We even sometimes fool ourselves into thinking that we are working for God's purposes, when we're really just following our own agenda. 

God has given each of us different combinations of personality, natural abilities and talents, and various spiritual gifts. Each one of us is different from every other one, even identical twins are different from each other. So the plans He has for each of us is according to the way He made each of us, different from every other. God made us all different, so that everything would get done. You are concerned for the environment? Good, we need to take care of this planet God has put us in charge of. You are concerned for the animals about to go extinct, or are being treated shamefully? Good, they are here for our use, but not abuse. You are concerned for the children who don't have enough to eat? Good, they are precious, and we can do much to meet their needs. You are concerned for the lost, and desire that they hear the Gospel to further God's Kingdom here on earth? Good, that's the most pressing need, and we are to pray that God sends more workers into the fields that are already white to harvest. 

Let us all do what we can, and everything will get done.

O my Father, You have been so good to me, and You continue to shower upon me Your goodness, every day and in every way. Thank you so much for all the ways You have taken care of me each day, and all the wonderful blessings You shower upon me continually. Please help me to remember Your ways as I leave my house to spend time with people, people You love. Let me get my focus off of myself and actually see them as You see them, to listen to them with Your ears, and enable me to be Your hands, Your feet, Your voice, to meet their needs in ways that will benefit them; and You will receive the credit, the glory. Help me to live up to all that I have already attained.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus.