“I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.” Philippians 3:9 NLT
A phrase that Paul uses over and over again for a Christian is one who is “in Christ”. We become intimately identified with Christ when we believe; for we are crucified with Him, buried with Him, raised with Him, and now sit with Him at God’s right hand.
Our entire salvation takes place in Christ; by the cross and His resurrection. We are chosen in Christ, justified in Him, blessed in Him, and sanctified in Him. The Christian life is one of growth in Christ and such growth requires prayer in Christ. Our faith ought to reflect who He is and should be an instrument to display a union with Him.
As it says in Ephesians 2:8, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God”. On our own, we could never obey the law and become righteous. So thankfully we can approach the throne of Christ and place our faith in Him, and by the grace of God righteousness can be obtained through the Son.
Lock Your Wings 
“For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ.”
Philippians 3:18 NLT
Actions speak louder than words. Behaviour is a demonstration of belief. Covid has brought out the worst in people. The conduct of many believers has been shameful as they have alienated and caused divisions between unbelievers and believers.
Matthew 18:6
But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.
To cause people to turn from God instead of drawing closer to Him is essentially becoming an enemy of Christ and working against His plan. It’s a sad circumstance when Christians can’t model love, kindness, and patience.
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