Philippians 1:10
“so that you may discover the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and blameless for the day of Christ”.
The NIV says “so that you may be able to discern what is best”. The Lord wants us to walk in the best way. Not the wealthiest or the most popular, but the best according to Him. As He is all knowing, all powerful and all good, He is right. He does guide us in that way.
The beatitudes give us a hint to those ways. Matthew 5:3-12 says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Expounding on the beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12), we first get, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven”. All people are spiritually bankrupt, but few know it. When we get convicted of sin, we ask Him for forgiveness. We are then citizens of heaven. It doesn’t stop there. Our sin nature still leads us wrongly. We continue to lean on Him. That is the best way.
The next one is “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted”. We all mourn. If we go to the Lord, He gives us the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. He abides with us forever and comforts us. That’s the best way.
Next is, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth”. Synonym for meek is humble. I have been surprised to learn the past few years how humble God is. He sent His Son to be born in a manger of poor parents. He was raised in a questionable area, Nazareth. Jesus was of “no reputation”. He wasn’t interested in the rich and powerful, except to share the good news to those that were ready. He wants us to be humble. We don’t have to hang out with the cool kids. God will bring us to those who are ready.
Next is “blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy”. God is merciful and seeks to give it. We must take it on His terms. We’ve all made mistakes, we’ve all sinned and will continue to do so. God knows we are weak. If we accept His Son, we are forgiven and endless mercy is ours. This is the best way.
Next is “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God”. This refers to being genuine. We aren’t showing off or trying to impress. We are what we are. God is our audience. God reveals Himself to these. I think of poor Willy Wonka, being honest and giving back the ticket. God helps us be genuine. It’s the best way.
Next is “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God”. These don’t view viral posts in which chaos happens. They mourn over it. In their world, they seek peace, not to stir the pot and bring division. It’s done in small ways in which attention is not drawn to them. This is the best way.
Next is “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”. When we follow Christ and walk His way, some don’t like it and bring us grief. Jesus said that because they persecuted Him, they will also persecute us (John 15:20). Sometimes the best way, earns persecution.
Those are the best ways. We daily seek them and are given the choice to obey. In time, we stop arguing. We are convinced He is right. We also see this. We also see the futility of our ways.
Todays verse speaks of discovering the best ways. God has given and developed within us spiritual senses for discernment. “But solid food is for the mature, the ones by constant use having trained the senses for distinguishing both good and evil”, (Hebrews 5:14). How does this work? He puts thoughts in our mind or nudges as things to do or avoid. All these aren’t from God. So, we are to pray when we are curious. We could pray, “Lord, I’m going to do this. If it’s a bad idea, block it.” Or, “God, if this is from You, open some doors”. It’s exciting to think we are partnering with God.
I Corinthians 12:31 says, “But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And yet, I am going to show you a far better way.” What follows is chapter 13. It expounds on love. That is the excellent way. That is the one word that could sum up God and people. He loves us. That’s why He created us, to have a people to love and love Him in return. We sinned, but His love drove Jesus to the cross to fix it. He gave His life. Those who respond to Him, He teaches them to love Him back, as well as loving others.
Thank You, God, that You want us to find the excellent. You share with us the beatitudes. While cloaked from the world, You teach Your children. These wonderful traits and ways. Then You develop within us spiritual senses to avoid the evil and find the good. You’ve given us love, You protect and guide us in love and You teach us to love. Thank You.