Read: Philippians 1:12-30
Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ. (v. 27)
Imagine Paul, that wild-eyed apostle, huddled up in a prison cell a long way from home, probably lonely, contending with some anxiety. We can guess that last part because of the encouragement he offers later: “do not be anxious about anything” (4:6). He must have had a pretty strong sense that whatever was about to happen to him could result in his death. There in prison he was writing to a church, a community of people who likewise felt boxed in by the cultural forces around them. They were facing pressures both internal and external: persecution from the outside and the threat of false teaching from within. And it’s into that context that Paul instructs them, “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ” (v. 27).
Consider how this resonates today. Pressure to conform to political and social ideas from the world outside, and conflict from within the church. Perhaps first-century Philippi isn’t as different from our own world as we might think.
So if you’re wondering what to do when the political or social landscape turns your stomach, Paul thinks, “Only . . .” If you’re wondering how to comfort yourselves when things go wrong, Paul says, “Only . . .” If you feel like arguing and you think winning is the only way and your instincts tell you fighting is the best option, Paul suggests, “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
As you pray, ask God how you can align your heart to the gospel of Christ even amid the chaos of life.
Co-authored by Rev. Jon Brown and Justin Kuiper.
Jon Brown is the lead pastor of Pillar Church in Holland, Michigan. Jon loves preaching and loves walking with people through all of life’s circumstances. He loves to invite people to follow Jesus in community on mission. Jon and his beloved wife, Kristyn, are the proud parents of four daughters.
Justin Kuiper is a student from Holland, Michigan, studying English literature at Hope College. His own writing explores the many intersections of faith, storytelling, and the created order.
