What really matters ...

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I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God. -Philippians 1:9-11 NLT

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As I read these words I get an image of a fountain overflowing as water bubbles up from it. Perhaps that is the image that we saw when Christ walked the earth? Did not love bubble up in his heart and overflow to all he touched? Isn't that the desire of our hearts as we grow in knowledge and understanding? Does not the path to a pure and blameless life entail an embracing of the love of God for each person we encounter? Is not love what really matters in our lives?

I love how Paul speaks of the righteous character produced in your life as being the fruit of your salvation. In his letter to the Galatians he describes this righteous character as one made up of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. In essence, a life filled with these qualities is one that will bring much glory and praise to God. This is the kind of life that is filled with things that really matter - now and forever.

We pray that the righteous fruit of our lives will overflow like a fountain and touch those who need you today.

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