Partnering with Christ Sample

The Pursuit of Excellence

Paul states in the opening of his letter to the Church at Philippi that he is praying that their love would abound in knowledge and discernment. This was so that they would approve the things that are excellent, which Paul defines as the pursuit of the important things of God. 

What does this pursuit of excellence really mean, even in tough circumstances? It means living according to three guiding principles every day.

The first guiding principle is the expansion of the gospel. Paul acknowledges that what he went through molded him so that it resulted in the privilege of furthering the gospel. God’s agenda got so imprinted in his heart that Paul’s way of measuring his life was a simple question we can ask ourselves: Am I furthering the gospel? It will place our focus on other people, which will drive a life of selflessness.

If we aren’t preaching Christ, who is going to hear the message?

The second guiding principle is having Christ become evident in your life. If Jesus is evident in your life, those around you will come to know Him. While Paul was kept prisoner, he had the chance to witness to the guards and the other prisoners. God has placed us exactly at the right place and time for His special purpose. Ask yourself: Is my relationship to Christ evident to others? This principle will lead us to a life of sacrifice.

No matter the cost, I want to know Jesus and make Him known.

The third guiding principle is encouragement to others. As Paul was in prison, the rest of the brothers had to step up and go where Paul couldn’t: to the streets, homes, and synagogues. He had modeled the pursuit of excellence, and they took their cue from him and followed suit. Have you asked yourself lately: What does my life encourage others to do? We must be servants who don’t take the easy choice, but do what will lift others in their faith and joy in Christ.

We will spend eternity with Jesus. Why not give Him our all here?

Lord, open our spiritual ears to listen to You whispering to us: “Don’t stop, keep going, I am here doing it with You and through You.” Lord, imprint Your heart in such a way on ours that we may keep pressing into Your excellence every day so that you may be magnified.

Grace Center for Spiritual Development is the community development arm of Grace School of Theology, which aims to develop spiritual leaders in every nation who can teach others about the love of Christ—a love that cannot be earned and cannot be lost. They offer free resources from devotionals, study guides, Bible studies, podcasts, and Grace on Demand Certificate Courses  for everyone who wants to keep learning and keep growing in God's grace.