Text- Philippians 3:12 – “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus”
In starting today’s devotional, I want to first explain to you the difference between identity and description. There is a very important truth I want to draw out from this explanation, which is relevant to the series we have been on for the past few days.
God determines your identity; men can only give you a description. How men describe you matters to a good extent, but it never would match up to how important you identity in God is. Any description that is not in line with the identity given you by God must be disregarded.
Having understood that truth, let us examine this scripture quickly -
“… And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” - Acts 11:26
Here, the identity of the believers is “Disciples”, while the description they were given at Antioch is “Christian”. We have accepted the description “Christian” (Christ-like) because it aligns with our identity as “Disciples” (Followers).
However, note how that verse goes “The disciples were called Christians”… There are a lot of people called Christians today, but they are not disciples by substance because they are not FOLLOWING AFTER.
The question is, are you just bearing our name, Christian, or you are part of us, disciples? Are you just trying to be like Christ by moral standards or you are indeed following after with all your heart?
As we have seen thus far; are you following after God, your Spiritual Father, and them who through faith and patience have inherited the promises?
Asides these three, Peter tells us another thing that we must follow after. He said in 1 Peter 3:13, “And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?”
In 2019, be quick to imitate that which is good. Don’t be consumed with pride so much so that you resist change and refuse to learn when you see that which is good.
Don’t join others to castigate, mock, slander, criticize, bad-mouth, or tear down that which is good. No! Imitate it.
When you see someone doing better than you, don’t try to pull them down like others do, find out what they are doing that gives them an edge over you, and follow after that which is good.
May God prosper your ways as you follow after that which is good this year in Jesus Name. Shalom!
PRAYER
Father, make me humble at heart that I may be able to follow after that which is good, so that my life and walk with you will become better in Jesus Name.
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