Unity In The Gospel Of Christ
OPENING PRAYER:
Father, may Your Word speak to me today as I open and study. I pray that my heart might see from the verses and thoughts in this devotion what needs to change in me and how I can be fully surrendered to Your will. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, my Rock, and my Redeemer. In Christ’s name I pray, Amen
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 the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.” Philippians 1:27-30 NIV
REFLECT:
“Whatever happens,” the writer of Philippians says. Life has its ups and downs and even some sideways. These days there are many upside downs. In fact, the world around us is becoming increasingly hostile towards those who choose to try and live by God’s holy standards as expressed in the Word of God. Regardless, we are to “conduct yourselves” with one thing in mind – am I living in a way that the good news of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross to save all humankind is front and center in a positive way? Do others see how I live, including what I say, how I treat others and especially how I treat those in the family of believers, in a way that draws them to see that gospel clearly? Do others realize, in part through what they see in my life, the true consequences of their decision to accept or reject that gospel? Do I live without fear or complaint, regardless of any suffering, struggle, and opposition that I experience? This is not just for each believer independently to follow. It is each believer acting together as the church in “striving together as one.” We are called to live together in unity for the sake of the gospel, regardless of what we face.
APPLY:
Years ago, I had the opportunity to hear Howard Hendricks share a story about living the Christian life. After asking “how are you doing?” a person would often reply “well okay, under the circumstances.” Howard shared that he would reply, “what are you doing under there?” His point was all about their focus. All of us have troubles. Jesus even promises His followers in John 16:33b (NIV), “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” The world is watching our focus in good times and bad. How we accept Jesus words “take heart” and reflect this in our lives speaks volumes about the gospel of Christ. Consider memorizing the verses here today that speak the clearest to you. Begin each day looking hopefully at each day’s troubles. Remember that the world is watching and what they see could make an eternal difference in their lives.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord make me an instrument of Your peace. Help me to live life taking heart in each day so that the world may know the hope we have in Jesus. We ask this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.