Joy Through Healthy Attachments: Philippians 1:8
6"God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus."
- Philippians 1:8
We talked this past Sunday about the Jesus-way to joy: it happens through a right attachment to this world that starts with attaching ourselves to God.
Paul expresses an affection that has deliberately been run through the filter of Jesus. Paul's devotion starts with Christ, who gives Paul a new heart and with it healthy affections for the people he's serving.
St. Augustine declared: "All sin is disordered loves." Nothing is wrong with work, sex, money, power, relationships, or stuff ... it's only when they're out of place in our hearts that they ruin our lives. Starting with Jesus keeps everything else in its proper place.
Where are you prone toward or tempted toward disordered affections or loves?
What do you think it means to go to Jesus first and then to let him help you relate rightly to your other loves and affections?
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6 Comments
Alex Aug 28, 2014 @ 9:57 pm
Jan, that is an outstanding insight. Fun conversations abounding here, thanks to everyone who's contributed today!
Jan Ross Aug 28, 2014 @ 7:44 pm
I like this part: Christ, who gives Paul a new heart and with it healthy affections for the people he's serving. Sometimes when I feel called to serve in some way I might have an attitude, or fear about the folks I am trying to serve. This assures me that I have only to look to Jesus for the strength and example of how to love others. It is only by Christ IN me that I can be an effective servant to His people.
karen Aug 28, 2014 @ 12:45 pm
I confess that my favorite singer occupied too much of my mind for a few years. His music touched me so deeply...and I do not know where he is spiritually, but he sure does have the fruit of the spirit. Maybe that is what was grabbed me... People are created with varying degrees of talents and gifts...some have incredible gifts..some small gifts... but no matter what, God is the creator of everything good! Now when I listen to my favorite singer, I know that his talent and gifts are from God. My prayer is that he will come to know God if he doesn't already. Also, even Hillsong, such a fantastic Christian band, with a worldwide ministry...was taking too much space in my life .... more than reading the Bible and praying! Jesus has to come first!
Alex Aug 28, 2014 @ 10:45 am
Hey Karen, we're going to talk about the comparison trap and jealousy this Sunday--this is a big deal for many of us and it's one of the reasons why looking to Jesus first (before looking to others) is so important! Thanks to you and Rachel both for your comments!
karen Aug 28, 2014 @ 10:20 am
I tend to look at others and I see so much fruit of the spirit in them and wonder when mine will show. Will I ever measure up? I need to have my eyes on Jesus...must not compare myself to others.
Rachel Aug 28, 2014 @ 7:07 am
Love this quote!