“Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News” (Philippians 1:27 NLT).
Paul taught the Philippians that they should live in a “manner worthy” of the gospel of Christ. When we live as worldly, our words have no consistency and the gospel comes across hypocritical. Our lives are to be consistent with the Good News we profess. Our lifestyle should in fact cause people to ask about our faith, so that the gospel comes out easily.
As the apostle Peter wrote, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). The gospel on our lips should match our lifestyle. One cannot be excluded from the other. We are called to both live and share the Good News.
PRAYER: Dear Father, fill us afresh with Your Holy Spirit this day so that we are conducting ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel. Give us divine appointments to speak of Your Son and to express the hope we have in Him. Give us spiritual boldness that is marked by gentleness and respect. We want to always be worthy of being Your witnesses. Strengthen us for this high calling. In Jesus’ name, amen.