Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. (Philippians 1:17, NIV 1984).
My Musings – “Whatever happens.” Even if it means we have to “suffer for Him…going through the same struggle,” (Philippians 1:29a, 30, NIV 1984) that Paul did. A degree of consistency no matter how difficult or trying it may become. For, as we know, it was very difficult and trying for Paul, eventually leading to martyrdom. Something most have not had to face. Purely theoretical, unless or until we do. Yet hopefully not indifferent, dismissive, or apathetic as current slang usage would suggest.
But what about “in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ?” Paul gave us a few “mannerisms.”
Stand firm in one spirit, (Philippians 1:27a, NIV 1984) – “Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain,” (1 Corinthians 15:58, NIV 1984). Total (“fully”) and unmovable (“nothing move you”) commitment.
Contending…for the faith, (Philippians 1:27b, NIV 1984) – “When I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me,” (1 Corinthians 9:16-17, NIV 1984). Compelled, not as if we are being forced to, but rather by the irresistible internal urging driven by the Holy spirit to faithfully discharge the trust we have been given as ambassadors for Christ.
Without being frightened…by those who oppose you, (Philippians 1:28, NIV 1984) – “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline,” (2 Timothy 1:7, NIV 1984). If we are frightened or timid, it is because we are relying on our strength and fortitude, which will more often than not be inadequate to “stand firm” against spiritual forces of darkness.
Believe on Him, (Philippians 1:29b, NIV 1984) – “And of this gospel [we are] appointed a herald and [a disciple] and a teacher. That is why [we may be] suffering as [we are]. Yet [we must] not [be] ashamed, because [we] know Whom [we] have believed, and [are] convinced that He is able to guard what [we] have entrusted to Him for that day,” (2 Timothy 1:11-12, NIV 1984). It is in whom we believe that we can confidently proclaim what we believe.
My Advice – These are, of course, not an exhaustive list of what it means to “conduct [ourselves] in a manner worthy of the gospel.” But they are a solid foundation. And because of these, it is more likely that we will persevere “whatever happens” in this day. This we must do for Him and “for that day.”
The Brew Is A Musing 