eleven words

Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ.  Philippians 1:27

 These are heavy, heavy words.  Paul’s instruction should not be confusing. 

 Don’t do, say, think, or be anything that is NOT WORTHY of the gospel of Christ. 

 The opposite is also true.

 Do everything, say everything, think everything, be everything that IS WORTHY of the gospel of Christ.

 This starts with telling the Gospel.  The command is not to save people.  The command is tell people about the Gospel.  God does the saving.  We get to have a part in the telling.  Tell your story about God’s adopting you as one of His children. 

 Imitate your Father.  Children copy their parents.  This is why most of us eat the same food, vacation at the same place, shop at the same stores, and carry on the same traditions as our parents.  It’s just how it works.  Ephesians 5:1 tells us to be “imitators of Christ”.  This is a very good thing.  When we imitate Christ we are sure to be doing what is good and eternally worthwhile.  Not to mention safe.  Start acting like your Father.  My dad once told me that the brightest light attracts the biggest bugs.  We should be lighting the way for all manner of ugly and broken people to find Jesus.  We are not Jesus.  But we light the way to Him. 

 Be holy.  Do what is “godly”.  (This is not necessarily the same thing as doing what is “right” or “moral”.)  This is “godly perfection”….reading the Word of God and doing it.  The more you live out the Word of God the more you will look like the Son of God.  (BTW – this is a lifelong deal, not just a “throw a stick in the fire” moment at summer camp.)

 Stop doing anything that distracts people from the Gospel.  Stop doing anything that pollutes the Gospel.  Stop doing anything that waters down the Gospel.   People can see hypocrisy at any distance. 

 Finally, live a life that not only reflects the Gospel but a life that is thankful for the Gospel.  Want to show Christ how thankful you are for your salvation?  Then agree with Christ when He said “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”  (John 14:15)