Better Than Normal

May 28, 2023 Better Than Normal Philippians 4:8

• Normal: Behavior that is typical, expected, and adjusts to a standard that society has put in place.
• Normal is not always a measure of what is good, healthy, or God-pleasing.

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. 24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.” ~Matthew 6:19-21, 24

• The money we earn should be something we use and not something that uses or controls us.
• Work is a good thing that God has given all of us.  

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. ~Colossians 3:23

• What would it look like if we approached every day as if we were working for Jesus?  
• Do we build people up with our words, or do we tear them down?
• Forgiveness is really tough, but it’s key to walking with Jesus.

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! 17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. ~Romans 12:9-18  

“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.” ~Matthew 7:12

• Treat others the way you want to be treated.

So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. ~Galatians 5:16-17

• What we focus on is what will grow stronger in our lives.
• “If it is important, you will find a way. If it’s not, you will find an excuse.”

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. ~Philippians 4:8

To become better than normal, spend some time evaluating the areas of MONEY, WORK, RELATIONSHIPS, SINFUL BEHAVIORS… AND MORE!