Philippians 4:9 – The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

A better word for “do” is “practice.” Paul could say something that would be bold if you or I said it: “Do what I do.” You may not want your grandchildren to follow down the same path that you went. You may not want him to have his grandparent for an example. But Paul could make his life an example to other believers. Paul lived in that sanctuary of power, because He had made Christ the very center and periphery of his life. Not only did Paul instruct believers in what to do, he also showed them by living his life in that same way. Paul urges the believers to practice the things which they learned from him, and what they saw in his own life. Godly living is the result of godly thinking. As long as your thought-life is pure, then your life will also be pure. Paul himself followed the example of the Lord Jesus, this is why he could be so confident that others could mimic his life as well.

Challenge:

Looking around at the busyness of this season, I see so many people that are being caught up in the hustle and bustle of it all. Long lines and items out of stock have put extra stress on people. In the life of Jesus, no matter how crazy things were around Him, He was ALWAYS in control and never got overwhelmed. Your challenge for this week is to stay in an attitude of peace, even if things start to get unbearable. Remember, the things you learned and received and heard and saw in Paul and in Jesus, these DO, and God will give you His peace. Often, Jesus would go off to a quiet place and pray. Start there, and see how God will strengthen you. Merry Christmas my brothers and sisters.