Philippians 1:20-30

20 For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. 21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. 22 But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. 23 I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. 24 But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.
25 Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith. 26 And when I come to you again, you will have even more reason to take pride in Christ Jesus because of what he is doing through me.

isn't it amazing that even now... thousands of years later.. Paul is STILL someone who helps us grow and learn about walking this walk... can you imagine your life impacting the kingdom like that... I cannot...

27 Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. 28 Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. 29 For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. 30 We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it.

I doubt we really view ourselves as citizens of heaven... truthfully.. we rarely even view ourselves as members of the body of christ as we should... we often see ourselves as insignificant and useless... that our tiny life means nothing... but even if our walk only influences one person.. it is worth doing right.... of course we influence others... at work.. at home.. in church...
don't be intimidated by our enemies... I admit that sometimes I get intimidated.. not necessarily about a particular person.. more like I am not enough... someone else would be so much better suited for this...
recently.. I was told that the reason women hate me so much is because I am so confident... and it makes them insecure... I thought that was amazing.... if only they knew how very insecure I really am...
suffering for Christ... I would rather not suffer at all... but if I have to... thank God it is for Christ...