From:
Date: February 19, 2020
Subject: It's February 19; Good Morning Union

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“All of us who are mature should take such a view of things.”         Philippians 3:15

Referring back to yesterday’s view of Paul’s philosophy of life, he used the Greek word “telios” to describe what he had not yet attained—perfection. And now he uses the same word to talk about being “mature.” I’m not “perfect” yet but I keep focusing on God’s ideal, and if I’m “mature” I focus on that process, NOT on perfection! Does that make sense?

Just keep focused! I can’t get distracted, either by trying to be “perfect” or by not caring and just living life like it doesn’t matter. Paul describes both in this next section of his letter. Some people are on the “road to destruction” because their mind is on earthly things when their citizenship is really in heaven. I can look back at my failures, around at the distractions of the world (which he defines as choosing to live for myself, focusing on “earthly things,” rather than God) or forward toward God’s kingdom. “Maturity,” says Paul is the ability to keep learning to focus forward. Like Paul, I have not yet “attained” this, but I’m pressing on toward that goal. He says, “Stand firm in the Lord, dear friends.” I agree with Paul. Please join me in the journey.

Have a great day focusing and standing firm,

Pastor Rich

 

Quote for the day:      “Sometimes the only available transportation is a leap of faith.”

 

PS        Members of the Campus Ministries team will be traveling to Georgia to attend the annual North American Division Campus Ministries Convention.