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 your absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.
Philippians 1:27
The Gospel is the story of Jesus. Jesus came to the earth to die for the forgiveness of our sins and to rise up from the dead to empower us to overcome them in order that we could have the closest relationship possible with God. His life up until his death is also apart of the gospel as well because it gives us an example of how to live in obedience to God. The gospel or the story of Jesus is the foundation of the Christian faith, without it there is no salvation. If you are a Christian, your hearts desire is to see it spread and transform every life around you. How is this made possible in your everyday life and in the life of your local church body?
Philippians 1:27 gives insight into personally manifesting this heart cry . The first part of the verse states that whatever happens conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel. I find it interesting that it does not state that whatever happens preach in a manner worthy of the gospel. Preaching the word of God is of course pertinent to evangelism but here Paul is communicating that when life circumstances are tough our conduct is what speaks the loudest.
The second part of the verse then details what this conduct worthy of the gospel speaks. Conduct worthy of the gospel testifies that we- the church- stand firm in the one Spirit. It is our conduct in the midst of trials that details our striving together as one for the faith of the gospel. If we want the world to see our faith, if we want the world to see our unity, then we must not only preach the gospel but conduct ourselves according to the standard set forth in the gospel.
Today take the time to ask yourself and to ask God, “Am I truly conducting myself in a manner worthy of the gospel in every area of my life?” and see the testimony of your life and church strengthened.
By: Danielle O'Neil