“Indeed, it is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how deeply I miss all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, so that you may approve the things that are superior and may be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.”
Philippians 1:7-11 CSB

Growth is something each of us experiences in various ways throughout our lives. Whether physical, emotional, relational or spiritual, growth must occur if we are living. Paul, in sharing his prayer for the Philippian church, shares his desire for their growth in love. That their love would grow in knowledge and in every kind of discernment.

Agape love often refers to divine love or what God prefers. Here Paul uses the word agape where we read “love”. That we may prefer the things of Christ, knowing Him and discerning His will. We go back to relationship here. Preferring the things of Christ is to prefer Christ Himself. How can we prefer Him if we are seeking the things of this world? So Paul says we should grow too in our discernment, of every kind. That kind of growth gives us the understanding to know what is from Him and what is not.

Living in relationship with Christ means we no longer get to dictate how are lives are run, what we do, who we hang out with, how we spend our time or our money. Our preferences are now under the lordship of Jesus Christ. We roll with His punches, submitting to His commands and walking in relationship with Him. So what does that mean for the music I listen to, the way I dress, my friends, my career, my relationships? Every area must fall under the command of Christ. We must prayerfully and willfully confess the areas that have not been under His Lordship and submit them fully to Him.

But does obedience in action make us in right relationship with Christ? Hmm. Great question! Are you every hesitantly obedient? Does your attitude ever stink? This is where the willful part comes in. To live in right relationship with Christ, we must also bring the areas of our thoughts, attitudes and words under the Lordship of Christ, submitting them fully to Him.

John 15 records Jesus talking about being the vine and us the branches. Here he talks about growth requiring pruning as well as bearing fruit. Of these, the key to growth is where we remain. We must remain in Christ. If we remain in and of ourselves we are dead in our trespasses and sins. It is only in Christ that we come alive, bearing fruit and growing. We can do nothing without Him (John 15:5).

This love that Paul desires us to grow in is fruit bearing. It bears the fruit of righteousness through Christ Jesus, bringing glory and praise to God.

Questions for Reflection:

• Are you growing in Christ? If so, what evidence is there? If not, why?
• Are there areas in your life that are not under the Lordship of Christ?
• Where is God pruning you so that you can be more fruitful?

Father, as I reflect on my life today, help me to see where You desire change, where You desire growth and where You desire Lordship that I’ve not given over. Holy Spirit, develop in me a prayerful and willing heart to serve You with my whole life. In the precious name of Jesus I pray, Amen.