“Conduct Yourself In A Manner Worthy Of The Gospel Of Christ!”

“Conduct Yourself In A Manner Worthy Of The Gospel Of Christ!”
When I got up by 3.30 CMR time and opened my tablet to pen down this meditation, I did what I always do: Scroll to read the latest and note the ones which should be “a must read!” I got some from a colleague of mine, and I even inboxed him asking to know what ignited in him a prophet’s prophecy this morning. The other one was from our friend with the golden pen, Frisha-Gold Ngu; a compelling article distinguishing between ‘Christianity and Churchianity!’ Coincidentally, to me their write-ups are expositions of today’s selected lectionary text.
I don’t mind repeating this story: A student was carrying out a research to know the number of Christians living along a certain street. He was conducting a house to house interview. He entered the house of a bachelor and asked him, “Are you a Christian?” The bachelor replied, “It is not for me to say whether I’m a Christian or not. Go and ask my neighbours up and down the street whether I’m a Christian or not. “
Those who eat the food are the ones to tell whether the meal was well prepared or not.
As Christians, the way we conduct our lives and the things we say and do, and the way we say and do them sends out a message and cause outsiders to conclude whether we are the representatives of Christ or not.
The words of Paul to the Christians at Philippi is quite relevant to us now! “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ…”
To conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel comes with its own challenges. It is not a bed of roses. No doubt Paul continues, “stand firm in 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…”(Phi.1:27-30).
My friend, we are the gospel that our enemies are reading. Christ can either be glorified through us or crucified anew because of us. It is time we move from mere rhetorics to living lives worthy of the gospel of Christ!
Prayer: Holy Spirit continue to lead me so that even in the face of persecution I should live a life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!