What's your story?

In his Philippian letter, Paul writes,
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:1-11)
This passage reminds us that God’s way of doing things is different than the world’s. Jesus didn’t establish his kingdom with an army, weapons, force, or coercion. Rather, his Kingdom is based on the Fruit of the Spirit. Love, not hate. Joy, not happiness. Peace, not war. Patience, not selfishness. Kindness, not harshness. Goodness, not evil. Faithfulness, not dishonesty. Gentleness, not cruelty. Self-control, not indulgence.
If we are going to truly be followers of Christ, God’s story must be the story that determines the direction of our lives. There are many stories competing for our attention and our devotion. Stories of pride. Stories of possessions. Stories of privilege. Stories of power. These stories seek to draw us near and pull us away from God with their promises of easy happiness.
But the reality is that only God’s story of humility and Spirit-led living will bring true joy and ultimate satisfaction. This is the story that reveals our true calling to seek and embody the character and nature of our Creator God who loves us and desires relationship with us.

shine!
Jason