“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9–11, NIV)
Today I did some good things. I think back on my day and it was packed with activity. I did some household chores, cooking, washing dishes, and yard work. I went to work at my job outside of my home. When I returned home, I took a few moments out and read a good book. I sanded a chair that I am refinishing. Just a few more chores and off to bed.
I stopped to write for a few moments. I stopped because I started wondering if I had done the best things today or if they were only good things. I wanted to stop and reflect on this because I know that I often settle for what is expedient or easy. I don’t always choose what is best.
I didn’t choose what was best when I picked my food today. I had better food in the refrigerator, but I picked easy food. I ate something less healthy and less tasty. When I started thinking about that, I realized that I am often lazy about how I decide to spend my time. I often pick what is less healthy and less rewarding.
Sometimes I turn on the TV and can’t find anything worthwhile to watch, but I don’t turn it off. I leave it on as background noise. Why do I need incessant noise playing in the background of my life? I often find myself annoyed by what I hear. It is healthy and it isn’t enjoyable but still I choose it.
As I look back over my day, I realize that my lazy choices are the choices that are less fulfilling. The things I do mindlessly are the least fulfilling. So how can I live my life in a fulfilling and rewarding way? Philippians 1:9-11 tells me.
My choices need to be based in love, love for God, love for my fellow man, or love of myself. This means they need to be decisions that are planned and have a purpose. They should not be choices that happen by default because I am lazy. To make the best choices you must have thought through the alternatives and chosen one option as more excellent than another. This requires some mental effort.
It also requires knowledge and discernment. As I learn more, I can make more informed choices. Again, this takes effort. It requires a plan. And there is a good reason to discern what is best. It is so that I will be filled with the fruit of righteousness and will bring glory and praise to God.
Today I will pray this prayer for you. Dear Lord, “it is my prayer for each person that reads this blog, that their love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that they may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9–11, ESV)