The church of Christ on McDermott Road

Philippians 2 is another great passage to add fuel to our spiritual tank. The mind of Jesus—specifically, his selfless love—should compel us forward in everything we do. We should allow his incarnation, crucifixion, and glorification to motivate us to see others as “more significant” than ourselves and serve their needs as we serve our own. If we were really motivated by Jesus’ mind, what would be some of our next steps in life?

The 15th chapter of 1 Corinthians is all about the hope of resurrection. Paul shares how if it weren’t for Jesus’ resurrection—and the coming resurrection of all of God’s people—all would be hopeless and following Jesus would be pointless. But because the resurrection is true, it should motivate us to be bold in our service to the King. If we really believed that death could not defeat us, what might be our next step in life?

Romans 12:1 is a hinge on which the entire letter to the Romans pivots. Paul shifts from sharing the deep theological truths of the Gospel and begins to share how those truths should motivate and compel God’s people. He helps us to see how gratitude for God’s mercy should be one of the primary fuels of our life. If we were truly motivated by the mercies of God, what would be our next step in life?

There are few “new beginnings” or “fresh starts” as memorable as Saul of Tarsus’ conversion to a follower of Jesus. Saul had been a zealous Pharisee, who believed his terroristic acts against Christians were helping defend the Jewish faith and way of life. When Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus and he was soon baptized, his life began anew in many ways.  But though the man who came up from the water was forgiven, he still carried his memories, experiences, and knowledge. In many ways, his baptism was simply the next step in his journey and there would be many more steps afterwards until he finished his race.

Nehemiah, cupbearer to the king of Persia, was shocked to find out that the returned exiles still had not rebuilt the wall around Jerusalem. The unwalled city was left open to attacks and manipulations from outsiders. Nehemiah helped the finish this monumental task and hoped that rebuilding the wall would usher in the highly anticipated peace, prosperity, and faithfulness to God. However, much to Nehemiah’s disappointment, the people continued to disobey. Finishing one project does not mean the whole journey is complete. It just means it’s time to take the next step by faith.