Worthy Of The Gospel

Good Morning,

Philippians 1:27 (NIV)
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel. (Emphasis mine, DRB)

There's a lot that goes on in each of our lives. Some of it wonderful and, well, some of it maybe not so wonderful. (I'm trying to be the master of understatement this morning, I guess.) Yes, some of what happens is pretty bad. The question before us today is, "How do we conduct ourselves no matter what happens in our lives?"

Are we much like people in and of the world? I mean, do we act exuberant and overjoyed when things go well. And then, when things don't go so well, are we depressed and down...as happens to those who don't know the Lord? So, are we being pushed by the winds of what goes on around us and not conducting ourselves as would be expected of children of God? Do people see us responding to what goes on around us in ways that, as Paul puts it, "...in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ?"

"Whatever happens,"...that sort of leaves the door wide open, doesn't it? Good, bad, and everything in between, God tells us we ought to be acting..."conducting yourselves"...differently that those who don't know Him.

"In a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ," tells us that we need to be more LIKE Jesus in every circumstance, and no matter WHAT the circumstance, in our lives. Now, this goes both ways, I think. We need to be more even keeled, so to speak, as we walk each day; not getting too up or too down at what goes on around us and to us; not reacting to situations instead of responding to situations; being recognizable as children of the living God no matter whether things are great or terrible in our lives. This, conducting ourselves "in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ" is what will separate us from those who have never put their faith and trust in Jesus, those who simply do not have a relationship with God.

I wonder how many of us went shopping today, early this morning, to take advantage of "black Friday" offerings in the various mega markets and acted much like everyone else around them? I wonder how many of us who may have been out there with the masses of humanity trying to get that last "great deal" pushed and shoved and didn't act "in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." Just a thought as sometimes being involved with some things sort of brings out the worst in people...ALL people, those OF the world, as well as otherwise good and peaceful Christians."

This verse is something for us to remember today, and every day, as we go about our normal activities, jobs, schools, shopping, or even just walking in our neighborhoods. We, you and I, are NOT the same as everyone else. We, you and I, are chosen by God and His children. We ought to conduct ourselves accordingly.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David