For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:8-11
Paul’s first request was that their love would abound more and more.
His second request was that they may approve things that are excellent. The word approve means to test literally or figuratively, to test or examine something to determine its worth.
Paul is praying and asking that the church of Philippi test and weigh their living with the Word of God.
We should want to live a live that lines up with Scripture, that is an excellent life. What we do, what we say, where we go, how we act…these are all things that we need to determine if it is scriptural or if just fulfills our selfish desires.
As we grow in our relationship with Christ, we will continually develop a mindset that is conscious of everything we do and whether it lines up with Christ or not.
This request leads into the next, “that ye may be sincere and without offence.” The closer we get to Christ, the more integrity and holiness we will be able to display in our daily life. This isn’t to say that we should walk around saying we are better than that person or this person, but our life should point everyone to Christ.
All this should be our goal everyday until the Lord returns. When we live a life of love and excellence and holiness, we will be able to be filled with righteousness and realize that it is Christ who gets the glory and praise in our life.
Counted Faithful 