The Christmas season is in full swing and we are finding ourselves busy with parties, programs, shopping, cooking, and a host of other trappings that accompany this time of the year. Yet, I am so grateful that we were able to begin looking at Phil. 3 this past weekend because it reminded us that even though we busy ourselves with this time of the year, we must not – we can not put any confidence in the flesh. Christmas is a time of the year where confidence in the flesh can be at its highest and most dangerous. We run around trying to please everyone, trying to find the perfect gift or make the perfect dish, and finding too much worthy in our ability to do so. If this is you, I have the perfect solution. I know how you can please everyone on your list, and still put no confidence in the flesh.

Recently I was asked if my marriage was as good today as it was when we first started 15 years ago.  My reply was that it is better. It is better because I am a better person, a better Christian. It is not as good as it should be, nor as good as it could be, or by God’s grace, will be. However, it is better because I am a better, more mature Christian. I have learned that the best gift I can give my wife is to be a better Christian. The best gift you can give your husband is to be a better Christian. The best gift you can give your family, friends, church members, and the world is to be a better Christian. Being a better Christian is being a more mature Christian. It is growing in the knowledge of Christ with wisdom and spiritual discernment (Col. 1:9-10). It is understanding that learning contentment (Phil. 4:11) and not complaining (Phil. 2:14) blesses everyone (especially your spouse, parents, and pastors . Being a better Christian is simply trusting Christ more and living by faith and putting no confidence in flesh (Phil. 3:3).

As we saw this past weekend, none of us are as mature as we think we are. And so we need these spiritual reminders and safeguards that keep us from getting too easily in the flesh, and thereby demonstrating confidence in the flesh and not Christ. So here is the gift that keeps on giving – become a better, more mature Christian and see how it impacts all of your relationships and life. Not only will you be more happy, but those around you will be more happy as well.

I guarantee it!