Mar
26
Attitude Adjustment
Filed Under Devotional
“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 my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man 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.” Philippians 1:27-28
Paul starts this paragraph with “whatever happens”. I think that’s pretty much what he means. In other words, there is no excuse to allow your conduct to be unworthy of the gospel. This is not a directive to act appropriately only when everyone is civil. This is direction to act according to the gospel no matter what happens. That’s a profound order. Dwell on that for a minute.
Paul also points out that if you conduct yourself this way with those around you, the word will get out. People will hear about your actions. You’ll be known. That’s not the goal, but it does indicate the importance of acting according to the gospel.
Paul reminds us to have no fear of those who oppose us. Acting according to the gospel and having no fear is the sign to those arrayed against us that they are on the losing side. They will become more vociferous as that becomes obvious to them. Our position has not changed. Don’t act like it has.
These are words of overcoming and victory. It won’t come without cost, though. Paul makes that clear in the next sentence:
“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.” Philippians 1:29-30
If we believe in Christ, we will suffer for Him. It’s a fact. The only comfort is that we are not alone. Paul went through this. Innumerable brothers and sisters before us have going through worse before us. Still, we will suffer for Him.
Act rightly. Stand firmly. Fear not. Prepare for suffering.
Or, as Paul says just a bit later:
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:” Philippians 2:5
Adjust your attitude accordingly.