Caused

"So that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ," Philippians 1:10.

So that. In order that. Some earlier cause had happened in order that this later effect should result. What was the later thing, the result? Well, what it said: Your purity and blamelessness. OK. So what was the earlier cause? Your supporting what is excellent. In its turn, caused by the overflow of your love - alongside overflow of knowledge and discernment. In its turn, caused by partnership in grace in the gospel. In its turn, caused by God. God. God began a good work in you (all his people). And God will complete that good work in you (in all his people!) the day Jesus appears. So that what? So that the fruit of good and right living in Jesus will fill you full to the brim. God started it, God will finish it.

As we visit with a brother or sister today, we remind each other that God began a good work in us, that God will bring his purity into the fruit of his labors in us. So, together, we give thanks joyfully anticipating the day of Christ.