Kingdom Life

Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. [Acts 16.25]

Aside from the fact that Paul and Silas had been beaten senseless, there is something here and relates directly to my post yesterday, "Ready To Quit Sinning?"

Paul is actually on record elsewhere of stating the following:

I will gladly spend myself and all I have for you, even though it seems that the more I love you, the less you love me. [2 Corinthians 12.15]

When our personal interests cease to exist, we can genuinely praise God and be a witness for Jesus in any situation.

This is an entirely foreign concept to most 'believers' and especially western believers. The sad truth is, western culture is largely based on self-centeredness (even in the Church). Consequently, Paul's and Silas' actions in the Philippian jail are considered an extraordinary work of the Holy Spirit instead of the normal response of persons 'dead to themselves.'

By most accounts, Paul's letter to the Galatian church is contemporary to this same time and, in it, Paul reveals the basis of his selflessness:

My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. [Galatians 2.20]

Father, I know You are leading me to a life of selflessness. I know You are leading me to a Kingdom life!