Live For Your City

Impact:

Paul had a deep personal relationship with the believers in Philippi. Paul declared his love for the people in this city when he said, “You are always in my heart! And so it is only right for me to feel as I do about you.” (Phil 1:7-8) He continues in verse 8 saying, “God is my witness that I tell the truth when I say that my deep feeling for you all comes from the heart of Christ Jesus himself.”

When Paul wrote this letter, he was in jail and faced the possibility of death. In describing his struggle between his earthly ministry and his heavenly hope, he said, “I want very much to leave this life and be with Christ, which is a far better thing.” (Phil. 1:23b)

God has given us the longing to spend eternity with Him and heaven should always be on our minds. However, God has also called us to spread God’s joy that comes from following Him. Paul points to this when he says, “… for your sake it is much more important that I remain alive … I will stay on with you all, to add to your progress and joy in the faith…” (Phil. 1:24 & 25)

The people in our cities need us to be present and to engage with them here and now. Helping our cities receive God’s mercy and forgiveness is the joy for which we should be longing.

Prayer:

Jesus, I am so excited to spend eternity with You in Your Heavenly city. I am also just as excited to see my city transformed through Your powerful love. Use me in a powerful way in my city.