There is a lot of great stuff in today’s Scripture from Philippians; that “Christ be honored in my body” (Philippians 1:20, as Paul is being persecuted); “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21); do “not be frightened in anything by your opponents” (Philippians 1:28); that it is granted that we “believe in Him, but also suffer for His sake” (Philippians 1:29; and today’s title passage, “let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27).
That is so very awesome; and chilling; and bold; and terrifying; and clear; and cloudy!
A life worthy of the gospel of Christ…what does that mean? What does it entail? And note that it doesn’t say being “worthy of Christ, but of the Gospel of Christ.”
Let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.
Philippians 1:27
Frankly, how can we be “worthy” of either – ever?!
If we look at all the pain, suffering, and persecution Paul endured (indeed, he was writing this from prison), he had a lot to be bitter about, to complain about, lash out about. He had a lot of ways to be able to give an excuse for any poor behavior on his part. Surely people would understand that suffering elicits challenges that are often reflected in reduced choices.
But Paul makes it clear that his earnest desire is to not be ashamed in his body, but instead honor Christ (and the Gospel).
People knew who Paul was. They knew he was a devote follower and adherent to who Jesus was and the teachings He espoused. To live in a way that contradicts Christ Jesus and the Gospel doesn’t just bear a bad image, it is hypocritical and leads others away from Him rather than toward Him.
May we never do that!
It is one thing to mess up for ourselves. It is a vastly different thing to give ungodly witness to Jesus and the saving Gospel of His suffering, death, and resurrection through our actions!
Ephesians 2:10 says that we are “God’s workmanship” and that He created us to do good deeds; not for salvation, but because we have it already. Our pervious worthless lives are now made worthy through the Gospel. We are now called to live that worthiness out in our body, our actions, our hearts and minds.
We will fail many times in this. Many.
And we will suffer many things in this life. Many.
Yet through it all, let us live (and die) in a manner that holds up the Gospel of Christ, holds up God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness; holds up good, Holy living, so that others may be drawn to Him and His salvation as well.
Let us live in His worthiness in all we do – for Christ and his Gospel!
“Dear Lord, we come confessing that we have not lived our lives in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ. Forgive us for those times, Lord, and send us Your Spirit – in heart, mind, and action, so that whether we suffer or thrive, live or die, others may be drawn to You, Lord Jesus. In Your precious name, Amen!”
Scripture
- Philippians 1:12-14, 19-30
- Psalm 27:1-9 (responsory)
