Dear Church of the Open Bible,
What is your life communicating? If someone were to follow you around for a week, what would they say that you find worthy? What would they say is most important to you? Maybe it’s your family. Maybe it’s your job. Maybe it’s how others view you? This question has particular relevance at funerals or as we look back over our lives and what we might be remembered for.
That is similar to the context of Paul, in prison in Rome, as he pens these words to the church in Philippi.
Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. - Philippians 1:27–28
Paul wants the lives of the Philippians to point to the gospel. He wants them to be known and remembered for the good news of Jesus Christ. And then he spells out what that should look like for them as believers: 1) standing firm in one spirit; 2) unity in striving together for the gospel; and 3) being courageous as they do so.
Do these make up the manner of your life? As we begin a new ministry year here at church, it is our prayer that all that we do points to the worthiness of Jesus Christ. Would you join us in that prayer today?