December 3: Philippians 2 12-16

Key Verse: Philippians 2 15
so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky

Devotion:
What is the real reason behind the things you do? Do you do things when others are watching just so you can get praise from them? Do you only work when you know you are going to get recognition or even money? We all have our faults and I have been down a few of the roads mentioned above; but I have also learned that I must not do things just so I can get the recognition – what about the people who may benefit from what I do?

Timothy had obviously done some very good things and had been persistent in doing what he was doing – but do we detect a bit of ‘brotherly advice’ coming in here? I know I have had to be reminded about the work that I do and the reasons for doing that work. It is for Christ and it is for His glory and not our own! We must not moan and groan about the work just because we are having a bad time; just maybe there is something going on behind the scenes.

The evil one will try to trip us up and throw obstacles in our way. He does this to try and make us unhappy in the work we are doing because there is nothing better than a bit of trouble and friction to bring our spirits down to a point where we start asking “why am I bothering to do this!” Do not be disheartened, this is the evil one who has thrown a spanner in the works.

Timothy is encouraged to do things without grumbling and without arguing. When we start grumbling, we are not only bringing our own spirits down, but also the spirits of those around us too. When we start arguing, we are putting up walls between us and the people who could be helping us. But when we work together as a team, the light of Christ is able to shine through us and encourage many more people to think about why we are doing what we are doing. It should be a big signpost pointing directly to Christ!

Points to Ponder:
Do you have to get paid before you work?

How much have you done for all Christ has already given you?