THURSDAY

Philippians 2:1-4; Ephesians 5:1-2

One significant way to measure how much power or influence someone has over us is to notice the extent to which we are different as a result of it. How is my life impacted? Am I different because of it? Power, whether experienced in helpful or harmful ways, changes us. In yesterday’s passage, Paul gave us an amazing picture of Jesus. But the verses that came just before that (the first in the two Scripture passages for today) remind us that it is in embracing that picture that our lives change. Notice how Paul invites us to embrace what we see revealed in Jesus and the impact he says that will have. Take a few moments to list the specific ways he suggests things will be different for us.

• Which of the things that Paul lists do you resonate with the most?

• Which would you like to experience more fully?

• How does what you see listed here flow into our lives as we embrace the picture of Jesus we noticed yesterday? Notice the connections between the two.

As you consider your lists, read the second passage for today from Ephesians 5. We are invited to follow God’s example—not as people who are coerced by God’s power, but as children who are dearly loved and transformed by the character of God revealed in Jesus.

• In what ways does this passage suggest that we live to reflect God’s character?

• How do you see God exercising power in this passage? What does that tell us about the way we use whatever power we have?

Take a few moments to share with God in prayer what is on your heart as you continue to reflect on the passages for today.