Daily Reading for Tuesday, Jan. 8

Philippians 1: 9-10a “And this I pray: that your love may abound yet more and more and extend to its fullest development in knowledge and all keen insight [that your love may display itself in greater depth of acquaintance and more comprehensive discernment]. So that you may surely learn to sense what is vital, and approve and prize what is excellent and of real value [recognizing the highest and the best, and distinguishing the moral differences]…” The Amplified Bible


Sometimes it seems to be a difficult task to list your values. You know what you value, but you may not be able to clearly define it. Paul’s prayer for the Philippian believers was that the growth of their love that comes from their rebirth in Christ would result in greater ability. Ability to do what? Ability to posses the knowledge and insight needed to cut through all those things that seek to have you—your attention, your gifts, your abilities—so that you may discern what is truly valuable and worthwhile in your life. Only from the starting point of love can you achieve that result. Any other starting point, and you’ll find yourself valuing things that really have no imperishable, eternal value. And it is only those things that we must seek and put our greatest effort and ability towards.