Philippians - Insight is the key

In Philippians 1: 9-10 Paul reveals his prayers for his friends in Philippi. 

"And this is my prayer: that you love may abound more and more in the knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God."

Nice prayer.  He really loved his friends.  However if you look at the highlighted words (my doing) you will see the real value of sharing this prayer.

I know a lot of people who can quote more scriptures than I can.  They would win at the old game of "Sword drill" (where you hold your Bible in the air and then race to find a scripture).  These people have great knowledge and can quote scripture alongside the best pastors.  But....and this is a huge but.....they don't have insight.  They are unable to take the scriptures and apply them to everyday circumstances.  Instead they use the scriptures to make rigid rules and to judge or look down their noses at others. 

The word of God (Bible) must be a "living" thing.  It must invade our hearts and turn our thinking.  If it doesn't - if it is just something we quote - then it's worthless.  I taught a small group meeting where a man quoted scripture and lectured others with an attitude of superiority.  He wasn't haughty - just smug.  It was as if he was announcing...."See there, I'm Christian!  I know what I'm talking about."  It was sad to see him berating his wife in the parking lot.  She was crying while he called her names.  When he saw me he shoved her in the car and drove off. 

It's always been hard for me to have respect for people who obviously love God but despise his commandments and have no intention of changing their lives.  I've had friends tell me that they love God and yet two sentences later announce that if I make them angry they will cuss me out.  When I hear something like that I usually look like I've just had really sour lemonade.  Either we love God and we follow his leading or we don't.  It can't get more simple than that.

That's not being a Christian.  Enjoying the good life that Christ offers means that we not only know his word - we have "depth of insight"  and "we can discern what is best".  Those are powerful statements.  To have insight into the mind of God and to know what is best in this life will give you the power you need to live a victorious life!

My prayer for you today is that you will not only read your Bible - but that God will give you insight and discernment.

God loves you,

Debbie