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Read Isaiah 61:1–3

Read James 4:1–3

What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure. (James 4:1–3)

Read Ephesians 4:2, 5:25–27

Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault... (Ephesians 5:25–27)

It is one thing for us to survive the blows of a world that is hostile to the things of Christ, but to be in disharmony with one another, fighting and arguing among ourselves—unthinkable.

Read Philippians 3:20

But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. (Philippians 3:20)

If you and I are ever going to get involved in sharing the joys of knowing and walking with Christ, we must come to terms with the fact that people without Christ in their lives are lost-absolutely and undeniably L-O-S-T.

In fact, Paul gives us one of the clearest and most pointed descriptions of the person who is lost. He or she is:

Read Philippians 3:17; 1 Corinthians 11:1; 2 Timothy 3:10–12

Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. (Philippians 3:17)

Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1)

Ours is an arduous, long, and sometimes tedious journey through Cesspool Cosmos. And, observe, it is a walk, not a sprint. The good news is: We are not alone on this demanding pilgrimage...which means that some folks we are traveling with make awfully good models to follow. So, follow them!

Read James 1:2–4

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. (James 1:2–4)

Read Philippians 3:7–9, 12

I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. (Philippians 3:7–9)

Read Philippians 3:1

Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith. (Philippians 3:1)

All this leads me to a terribly important subject I have been wanting to address. I’m unable to restrain myself any longer...and I especially have in mind those of you who can’t stand coming in second because you face a great temptation.

Read Philippians 3:4

Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more! (Philippians 3:4)

The problem is that human achievement results in earthly rewards, which fuels the fire for more achievement leading to greater rewards. “Problem...what problem?” you may ask. This: None of that results in deep-down satisfaction, an inner peace, a soul-level contentment, or lasting joy. In the process of achieving more and earning more, few if any learn to laugh more. This is especially true if you are the classic Type A. Hear me out.

Read Philippians 2:25–26, 29–30

Meanwhile, I thought I should send Epaphroditus back to you. He is a true brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier. And he was your messenger to help me in my need. I am sending him because he has been longing to see you....Welcome him in the Lord’s love and with great joy, and give him the honor that people like him deserve. For he risked his life for the work of Christ, and he was at the point of death while doing for me what you couldn't do from far away. (Philippians 2:25–26, 29–30)