“So that
you may approve the things that are excellent” – Philippians 1:10
Summarize
in a Word: Pursuing Excellence
Illustration: Pilot
and the directionless flight
Exhortation: Look at
your life. Is it filled with… virtues?
Suggestions
for Prayer: Ask God to give you a heart constantly set on
pursuing excellence for His glory.
There's
the story of a pilot who came on the loudspeaker mid-flight and said, "I
have some good news and bad news. The bad news is we've lost all our
instrumentation and don't know where we are. The good news is we have a strong
tail wind and are making great time." That's an accurate picture of how
many people live: they have no direction in life but they're getting there
fast!
We as
Christians are to be different because we have divine guidance and eternal
goals. Our lives are to be marked by a confident trust in God and a pursuit of
spiritual excellence.
"Excellent"
in Philippians 1:10 speaks of things that are worthwhile and vital. Approving
what is excellent refers to testing things as one would test a precious metal
to determine its purity and value. It goes beyond knowing good from evil. It
distinguishes between better and best. It involves thinking biblically and
focusing your time and energy on what really counts. It involves cultivating
spiritual discipline and not being controlled by your emotions, whims, moods,
or circumstances.
Many
organizations and businesses have adopted the motto, "Commitment to
Excellence" to convey their desire to provide the finest product or
service possible. If secular-minded people strive for that level of
achievement, how much more should Christians pursue excellence for the glory of
God!
Look at
your life. Is it filled with godly love, discernment, and the pursuit of
excellence--or has worldly trivia crowded out those virtues?
---------------------------------
Thanks
for the time of Reflection,
R.
Solomon
(This issue is taken out from Drawing Near Daily Devotional by John MacArthur. If you enjoy reading it, you may
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