My Expectation and My Hope

Text: Philippians 1:20
It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in any way, but that by my speaking with all boldness, Christ will be exalted now as always in my body, whether by life or by death. (NRSV)

What is our hope for our day as we begin each morning?

Do we hope to do well at work or school?  Do we hope to accomplish all our to-do lists?  Do we hope to have fun?  Do we hope to have a stress-free day?

Paul’s expectation and hope were that he is not put to shame in any way.  By that, he did not mean that he does not do something foolish that would cause people to laugh at him or that he not be successful as a tent maker or a student.  What he means, is that his daily actions will lift up Jesus.  His shame would come if he did anything that would make Jesus look bad.

Paul’s hope for each day is that his life, every day until his death, and then even in death, will demonstrate that he is a follower of Jesus Christ in both word and action; boldly speaking about the things of Jesus and his Kingdom.

What would it look like if you made that your expectation and hope?  How would you respond differently to the demands that others place on you?  How would you approach your workday or your school day?  What changes in your priorities might take place? How would your daily conversations with family, friends, coworkers, or fellow students change?

Pray with me:
Dear God, Place in me the desire and the will to live my life in a way that does not cause me shame as I seek to live my life exalting you in all I do and say.  Fill me with the expectation and the hope of being your disciple through life and into death.  AMEN.

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