Philippians 2:1 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) So by whatever [appeal to you there is in our mutual dwelling in Christ, by whatever] strengthening and consoling and encouraging [our relationship] in Him [affords], by whatever persuasive incentive there is in love, by whatever participation in the [Holy] Spirit [we share], and by whatever depth of affection and compassionate sympathy,

This devotional is brought to you by the use of the archaic language of the King James Version. That archaic version led me to check multiple versions due to the changes in word meanings over time. The word I was uncomfortable with was consolation, as in consolation prize is a gift given for not winning.

Here I find in the AMPC version a phrase not used in any of the other versions. “by whatever persuasive incentive there is in love” In this I find a hint of how the indwelling love of God changes who we are from the inside out. As humans we do not willingly change unless we find the proper incentive.

We consider our sins are leading us to damnation. Coming to that understanding we look for an out. Along comes the offer of salvation. Thank you Lord, that is a great incentive, I accept. The acceptance only changes the outcome. If you are only looking at the way out of hell, you have found it, but that does not change you. You are still a sinner who makes wrong choices. Bad choices have bad consequences, nothing has change except the outcome.

Persuasive influence works in us to change us because the indwelling love of God demonstrates a better way. Nothing is as persuasive as a demonstration of effectiveness.

1 Corinthians 12:31b and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

A demonstration of love is more effective than preaching and teaching because it shows you how it works in ways that words alone cannot explain.

Psalm 121:1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

Perhaps the three most dangerous words in Christianity might be “I got this.” It presupposes that I don’t need the Lord at a moment when the Lord is about to do a work.

The danger is in the belief in self-sufficiency. That was the condition we were in when we first cried out “Help me Lord!” We ruined our lives without the Lord and nothing has changed since that first moment of surrender.

Revelation 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

That was said to the church of Ephesus right after great praises about their faithful labors. Doing good is not the same as being good.

1 Corinthians 1:29-31 That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

We who have been in the Lord for the longest time are just as susceptible to this failing as any, maybe more so.  We are so comfortable in being used of the Lord, we are so comfortable in His presence that at times we expect to be used and take the lead while the Lord waits patiently. Perfect timing is as importance as the work at hand. Only the Lord knows when a soul is ready for that surrender moment. Experience has taught us nearly everything except perfect timing. We need to remember to wait on the Lord.

Psalm 27:13-14 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.