Today we begin the book of Philippians, which is a letter to the believers in Philippi, a city which sat on an important transportation route in Macedonia. Once again, we see where Paul invested time with believers and the importance of their location to the spread of the gospel. In this first chapter we also read one of the most powerful passages from Paul in Philippians 1:21, For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. The point Paul is making is as long as we are living our lives for Christ, we win. Even if it leads to death, we still live.

Just as we imitate our parents, we should also be imitators of the example of Christ. In Ephesians 5:1-2 Paul says, 1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Our love for others should reflect the love and sacrifice Christ had for us. It should be a love that goes beyond affection and leads us to sacrificial service to others.