Here we are, then, speaking for Christ, as though God himself were making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ's behalf; let God change you from enemies into his friends! Christ was without sin, but for our sake God made him share our sin in order that in union with him we might share the righteousness of God. - 2 Corinthians 5:20-21

Your life in Christ makes you strong, and his love comforts you. You have fellowship with the Spirit, and you have kindness and compassion for one another. I urge you, then, to make me completely happy by having the same thoughts, sharing the same love, and being one in soul and mind. Don't do anything from selfish ambition or from a cheap desire to boast, but be humble toward one another, always considering others better than yourselves. - Philippians 2:1-3

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may be innocent and pure as God's perfect children, who live in a world of corrupt and sinful people. You must shine among them like stars lighting up the sky, as you offer them the message of life. If you do so, I shall have reason to be proud of you on the Day of Christ, because it will show that all my effort and work have not been wasted. - Philippians 2:14-16

We will all stand before God someday, so it is imperative that we prepare to meet Him. But how? The only preparation we need to make is to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior from sin. He died to take the punishment we so richly deserve. When we admit we are sinners and ask Him to forgive and save us we are brought into a right relationship with God. Don't plan to repent at the eleventh hour, you may die at 10:30. Jesus is our example of genuine servanthood, yet He is the brightest Star of the universe. As we become like Him, we will be bright and shining stars, and people will be drawn to Christ, through our humble service.

You can be too big for God to use, but you can't be too small.

Our Daily Bread - October 5-6, 2002