3:12 (Philippians)

“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

I get the impression that the gospel is sometimes conveyed or perceived with a hint of superiority from all parties. And that helps no one. From insightful discussions with One close to the Lord and to the Japanese, there is a perception of introducing “a Western god” to a more civilized East. 

With the misbehaving western tourists in mind, could there be the thought in the receiver that the “West” has nothing good to offer the Japanese, with their thousands of years of rich heritage. What could these Westerners possibly have to offer better than what we have already? Does the West think themselves superior to come to “rescue” us?

That is a hard to overcome hurdle. 

But Jesus is better than any so called god or set of ethics from the east or the west, the north or the south. One problem is with us, His people, who are still in the process of yielding to the Spirit’s transformation.  While God has lay hold of us and we have the Son’s life within, we are still in the process of making His life our own. We are so far from being perfect, if anyone is close to perfect, that would be Paul who wrote this letter. So, there has to be a desire within us to press on and not be complacent in our walk with the Lord if Paul wasn’t complacent.

So Lord God, forgive us for being immature still and so lacking in knowing You. We want to know You desperately and we want to make the Son’s life practically our own. Forbid it that we hinder the testimony of the Son’s life in us. Where we have lacked humility, be our graciousness and help us to display Your greatness and humble nature. We have nothing to boast except that You showed us mercy. And give grace to the Japanese people that their success in discipline and morals doesn’t prevent them from seeing You alive in us and touching resurrection Life in us. You alone possess Living Water and Living Bread because that’s who You are. There is nothing living even in the best things the world can offer. But You are Life and that cannot be denied. So, cause us to express Your resurrection Life in our 24-7. Be all in all in us. For Your sake and for the sake of the yet-to-be saved on this earth. We love You, Lord. 

In Jesus’ transforming name.