A conduct worthy of the gospel of Christ

Philippians 1:27 – “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ”

The Greek meaning of the word conversation speaks not only to talking but signifies the actions and privileges of citizenship. As such we are commanded as citizens of heaven; the New Jerusalem to ensure that our actions are befitting the gospel of Christ. We need not lose sight of the very fact that the gospel is a message about the God of love to a lost and dying world. This love we speak about is a complete package, nothing lacking and nothing missing. When you find it, you are in complete awe of Him that loved you so much and undertook to provide, care and protect you. Therefore, there should be about our manner and whole behavior an unflinching awe from those who have not yet found it. Our conduct as citizens of heaven should attract like a magnet those who are not yet citizens. One of my kids once asked me why she should be a citizen of heaven if she can be just a permanent resident; after all there is not much difference between the two. She continued to say that if she had dual citizenship, then if heaven aint no good for her then she has another home vice versa. How I wish that were true, its only citizens that will inherit the rights, permanent residents have no claim.

Brethren, we must never forget that Christ is holy thus His gospel is holy (consecrated, dedicated and set apart). It’s a gospel that never, under no circumstance excuses (release someone from blame or make an allowance for something) sin, it pardons it only through atonement (making reparation for sin or the reconciliation between God and people brought about by the death of Jesus Christ). This then means that if our lives are to resemble the gospel we stand for, we must shun everything that would hinder our perfect conformity (compliance in manner and character with affixed standard, regulation and requirement) to Christ.

In Romans, Paul says, “If we live, we live to the Lord………therefore we need to live lives that are fully committed to Him”. The things that honor God will always benefit us as well. As I have said previously, Gods counsel is for our benefit all the times. Those who profess the gospel of Christ should also live in submission to the gospel truths, laws, and completely depend upon Gods promises.

In Ephesians 5 we are cautioned to be very careful then how we live. We are not only cautioned against those gross acts of sin but also against what sin we may take lightly. These things that we take lightly are not even profitable to us and they pollute and poison the hearers and observers. How can we dare make light of that which brings down the wrath of God, the prophets ask. I recall one sermon where the preacher said, “We should not only have the knowledge that sin is sin but we should see it as a breach of Gods holy law”. Somehow this statement should bring the realization that the gospel is about a holy God and if we profess it, we too should be as He is.

Till we meet again, remain blessed and strong in the Lord and in His might.