PJ's Journal

Often times we hear the word balance in relation to how we live.  We tend to avoid extremes and label those who go to extremes as extremists.  But how does this work as a follower of Christ?  As I read about the Apostle Paul, he was a pretty extreme dude (I hope it ok to call Paul "dude").  Here is a guy who went through extreme suffering and imprisonment for the sake of the Gospel.  He writes to the churches in Galatia that he has been crucified with Christ, so his life is no longer under his authority.  He has relinquished control to the One he places his faith in... Jesus.  To the church in Philippi he assures them that he is ready to exalt Christ in life or by death.  He is one who gave up all for the sake of the Gospel.  We are inspired by Paul's example and place him on a pedestal, but we resist the idea of our life looking like his.  Paul simply took the command to follow Jesus seriously!  Do we?  Do we look at our lives and try to "fit" Jesus into them,

What does it look like to live a Christ-centered life?  I would bet that many immediately start thinking about outward activities that a person might do in order to look as if Christ is the center of their life.  For example, one might look at their Bible and think, "Well, if I read this book today then I will be living a Christ-centered life!"  We think too often in terms of doing, and we miss out on fostering what really matters... the heart and mind!  I was reminded of this as I spent some time interacting with Philippians 1:20-24.  The question is a matter of cart and horse.  Which one is pulling the other?  Which one comes first?  I look at Paul's life and see a man who is in prison, and while in prison he is discipling the believers at Philippi through a letter that is deeply personal and transparent. "20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,