Conduct Yourselves In A Manner Worthy Of The Gospel

This morning I am reflecting on a long set of verses from Paul's letter to the Philippians, which he wrote while in jail, a very specific type of quarantine.  I thought it appropriate to reflect on his prayers and words, as He was locked away, and unable to minister as He desired.  Here are the verses - Philippians 1:3-14,20-30 NIV:

[3] "I thank my God every time I remember you. [4] In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy [5] because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, [6] being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

[7] It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. [8] God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

[9] And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, [10] so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, [11] filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ---to the glory and praise of God. [12] Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. [13] As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. [14] And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear."

[20] "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. [21] For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. [22] If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! [23] I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; [24] but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.

[25] Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, [26] so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. [27] 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 the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel [28] 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. [29] For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, [30] since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have."

As I read through these verses two specific verses stand out - verse 14 and 27.  We are living in unprecedented times, and we have before us significant opportunities to increase our living in faith and love.  As many churches are not meeting over these next weeks, the questions is how will we, as members of the Body of Christ respond?  Will we take a vacation from our faith expression, or will we become responsible for our own walk and deepening of our faith?

I like verse 14 because Paul is seeing a change come over the Body of Christ, because of his being locked away.  Oh, that the Body of Christ would rise to the occasion before us and be examples to all of love, peace, faith, grace, mercy and compassion.  Let us look for opportunities to serve, to lay down our own lives for those around us!  Let us embrace the communities we find ourselves in, and looking to the Lord, radiate His love!

Verse 27 is a wonderful reminder that we cannot react as the world is reacting!  We must conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel, which is the Good News!  We must not lose our sense of unity, but rather work to maintain and grow our sense of community.  Let us not bow to fear and emotion, withdrawing into a protective stance, but let us radiate love and faith in this dark time.

Let us embrace one another in love and affection, whether via electronic means, or practical ways of caring, being willing to share that which we have with those in need.  Let us not forget about those that struggle in the best of times with loneliness and social separation, they need to be checked on, loved on, and cared for in meaningful ways.

I am reminded of one final set of verses from the end of Paul's letter to the Philippians 4:4-7 NIV:

[4] "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Amen and Amen!