When writing to the church at Philippi, Paul knew that there was some arguing and strife taking place in the congregation. Of course, these things are not God’s plan for His people, so Paul provided some reminders and instruction about proper Chrisian behavior.

In the flesh, it is natural to boost ourselves and our reputation. We naturally love to tell others how we are better or have done bigger things than those around us.

Paul told this church that we are to put away these attitudes and elevate or consider the brother or sister better than ourselves. We are not to look down on them.

Instead, we are to seek to help that person become richer in Christ. To do so, we need to pray for them and encourage them to grow in Christ and be faithful to Him when we can. We must do it in humility – not pride.

Developing this attitude takes prayer, time in the Word, and asking God for love for others more than ourselves. We must be able to see others as Christ sees them, and only then can we minister to their needs in a Christ-like way.

It is quite possible that our intentions may not be welcomed, but we are to try. It is also necessary, Paul says, to avoid strife and self-glory while trying to do so.

Most anyone that has been a Christian for very long knows this Bible verse. It is a tremendous promise with a lot of potential for practical Christian living.

I find this verse a blessing each time I focus on it. I have, however, seen misinterpretations of this verse all too often. It does not mean that you will be the best that there is in whatever you are doing – although some popular plaques and pictures indicate that it could.

Among other Bible verses about strength, this verse refers to the victory that God will give when you need it for obedience and service to Him. In other words, if you are sincere about serving God, you will always find that He will give power to do all that He wants – whether it is pleasant at that moment or not. It does not always mean that there will be a positive outcome.

It does mean that you, as a believer, can have victory…

• Over temptation – any one!
• Over sin – God can break the chains of any sin!
• Over the world – victory over the things that the world worries about and craves for!
• Over Satan – you do not need to fear him!
• Over the thought life – you can have “the mind of Christ”!
• Over the trouble and problems you will face today – they do not need to stress you out!
• Over whatever prevents you from being a better Christian!

The result of knowing and using this verse – and others like it – is that you can continue to be a growing Christian. The only thing that really prevents you from growing as a believer is you.

For a better victory, strengthen your spirit – and resolve to continue – daily by getting in the Word and praying, and by going to church regularly.

What’s stopping you from being a better Christian?