Always Be True to God and Others
Philippians 1:27 - “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;”
How genuine is our profession of faith? Do we show the same behavior wherever and whenever we go? When we are not among the other believers, are we still behaving with Christlikeness?
This is the message I am getting from the words of the Apostle Paul to the Philippian Church. It is a genuine concern of a Pastor to his beloved flock. He desires to go and be with God, but to think of the people he considers his “pride and joy,” he chooses to remain a blessing and to encourage them in the Lord more.
There are some essential pieces of advice Paul gave that we who claim to love God also need to follow:
1.“Let our conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ.”
Does our conversation or lifestyle agree with the gospel we are claiming to believe and propagate?
Are we showing opposing behavior and desires depending on who we are with? Are we constantly a gospel to all people we meet?
2.Let us be accountable and trustworthy even when we are alone.
Do we remain faithful to God and to our calling even when we are alone and far from our fellow believers? Do we remain steadfast and committed to the task without the presence of our spiritual leaders?
3.Let us stand fast in one spirit.
When we are far from one another, do we still carry and manifest the same spirit of unity and camaraderie? Do we remain loyal to God in fulfilling the work He has given us as one with the body of Christ?
4.Let us, with one mind, strive together
I wonder if we are one mind striving to work together with equal sacrifice, making the same effort as one body of Christ.
5.Let us not forget our purpose - the faith of the gospel
Are we always mindful of God’s purpose in our lives as individuals and as God’s people serving together? We have been saved for the faith of the gospel of Christ.
The Apostle Paul has invested a lot in these people's lives, and he does not want everything to go to waste due to selfishness. He has also given all to minister and to remind them of God’s purpose and will in their lives. He is steadfast and passionate about his responsibility as an undershepherd for the Lord’s sake.
God does not micro-manage us. He remains aware of everything we say and do. However, His grace is such that He allows us to prove our worth by enabling us to decide and make a decision. Let us pray that we will always be true and faithful.
Our Prayer today:
Lord, we have been guilty of not always being true to our purpose and calling. We want to appear faithful before the believers but alone, and when away from them, our life is so far from You.
Our conversation or lifestyle does not show your power and divine presence. We change depending on who we are with. Our life is not a gospel to point people to God. Often, we lead them astray.
Forgive us that we lose sight of your purpose in us, and we easily pursue our selfish desires. Please help us to be consistent in our convictions and always be faithful to the tasks.
All these we humbly pray in the Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!