the prophecy of a life-style
"My prayer is that your love may more and more abound, both in understanding and wealth of experience, so that with a clear conscience and blameless conduct you may learn to value the things that really matter, up to the very day of Christ." —Philippians 1:9-10
Paul prayed that the Philippians would "learn to value the things that really matter." He wanted their relationship with Christ to shine a light on their priorities, surpass them in importance, and cause them to reappraise all as loss (Phil 3:7-8). Once the Philippians had forfeited everything because of their love for Jesus and accounted all else dung, Christ would truly be their Wealth (Phil 3:8). Therefore, they would have learned to value the things that really matter by valuing the One Who really matters, Jesus Christ.
Do your priorities seem insane to those "set upon the things of this world"? (Phil 3:19) Are others surprised or even threatened by the changes in your life? Are you worth persecuting? (see 2 Tm 3:12) Has your relationship with Christ had a dramatic effect on your life-style? Does your life make sense only to those who know Jesus personally? Are you crucified to the world? (Gal 6:14) Do you find that the world hates you? (Jn 15:18) Is your life-style in the same Spirit as that of the early Church after Pentecost? Unless Jesus is Lord of our life-style, He's not Lord of our lives.
Prayer: Father, may my life-style be a clear prophecy of Your presence, love, and truth.
Promise: "He took the man, healed him, and sent him on his way." —Lk 14:4
Praise: Tricia, a mother of nine, has dedicated her life to saving pre-born children and their mothers from the horrors of abortion. She has helped many women to decide to keep their babies, and has given them support, prayers, and practical help afterwards.
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The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, April 4, 1998
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 8, 1998