Philippians 1:9-11 (Msg)
"So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover’s life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God."
Every day I find that life should evaluated by two questions:
1. Am I giving my best effort?
2. Is this the best thing for me to do?
Everything I do has an impact on someone. I do not live in a bubble. Failure to give my best or do the best thing in a situation will hurt not only me but the people I care about. Standing Tall with a backbone of integrity does not mean that I will be perfect but that I will give my best effort.
The Bible is full of ordinary people who gave their best and did the best thing that God was asking of them. We know and love their stories because God always showed up on their behalf in a BIG way! They were not perfect people BUT they Stood Tall and allowed God to be seen!
Daniel in the Lions Den
Noah and the Ark
Joshua and the Walls of Jericho
David and Goliath
Shadrach Meshach and Abednego in the Fiery Furnace
Queen Esther before the King
Nehemiah building the Wall
Joseph in bondage in Egypt
Paul and Silas in Prison
Our world is not going to applaud a life sold out to the Lord! I realized early on in my walk with the Lord that the mentality was more along the lines of how much can we get away with NOT what would be best! If I was going to live true to what God was asking of me I might be alone. However, I would be in a great position to see God show up and do BIG things! It is never easy to tell the truth, not join in the "fun", endure rejection, share the Gospel, be falsely accused, live with convictions, confront sin, be different, or actively do what God asks of you when you face intense opposition. The people we read about in the Bible understand the cost!
I have choices to make every moment of every day! I am not working my way to heaven, trying to get God to give me something, earn an award, trying to pat myself on the back or look good in front of you. I want to live out my LOVE for the Lord! He deserves my best effort and for me to do what is best! Brave Enough to Stand Tall for His Glory! Do you see Him?
"Whatever You Ask" By: Steve Camp