Philippians 3:17 (NRSV)
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Verse 17Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us.
Devotion
As Paul addresses his beloved community at Philippi, he talks to them like family, as brothers and sisters in Christ. He’s clear how he’ll take his answer: inscribed in their lives. Paul doesn’t care about talking the talk; he wants Christians to walk the walk. He wants not words, but deeds. For Paul there are only two kinds of people in the world: enemies of the cross, and friends. For those who would be friends, there’s a simple family code of honor: Imitate Christ. Being a Christian is not about following the rules but about following Jesus, our brother. Following Jesus in everything we do is what it means to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Prayer
Mothering God, you knew us from our mother’s womb. You know our thoughts before we think them, you hear our words before we speak them, you decipher our hearts better than we do. Teach us to love. Love us into following. Follow us as we become sisters and brothers in the body of your Son, Jesus. Amen.