Defenders!

For Tuesday, April 23, 2024:

Philippians 1:27-28a NLT: “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 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.”

Paul teaches that “whatever happens,” we should uphold the value system given to us by Jesus. But the reality is that trouble will probably come, and people in high places will oppose you. Being a champion for Christ won’t be easy.

Remember that Paul was writing this from his prison cell. His crime was preaching the Gospel, and here he is encouraging others to do the same. For them, it may also be a rocky road. (To be forewarned is to be prepared!)

Each believer should be perpetually prepared to be an apologist, a defender of the Gospel. This is about standing up for Jesus, now the main thing in our lives. Any consequences for us are secondary, relatively unimportant to God’s big picture. God will care for those who believe in his Son, either here on earth or in the hereafter. Paul could make a case for living, and a case for dying. Living, he could do more work for the Kingdom. Dying, he’d see Jesus sooner. Paul left that decision in God’s hands.

If we’re believers and still living, we should be clearly recognizable as Christians. We should love our neighbors, show kindness, share our assets, be helpful, and do the next right thing. Observers should be able to assess our behavior, and say with certainty, “Those are Christians!” Christianity’s number will increase through attraction. People will like what they see, and want to experience it themselves. Welcome them with open arms!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship