Our Conduct

"Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel -"     Philippians 1:27   NKJV 

 Paul was addressing the believers in Philippi, urging them to stand firm whatever may happen to them. He was particularly concerned that their conduct would stand the test - that they would live up to the calling they had concerning the Gospel of Christ.

Paul was saying that, whether he came to visit them or whether he received word about them, he would be blessed to hear that they were holding up the name of Jesus. This speaks deeply to us as well. Is our conduct at home the same as it is in church? Or do we have a best behaviour for church and when we arrive home, take off our Sunday best and act the way of the world? 

Sometimes, if we're not careful, it is possible to live two lives - one for church and one for home where our personalties change accordingly. I call it the 'Behind Closed Doors Syndrome'. At home in the privacy of our house, it is easy to gossip about what 'such and such' was doing or saying. We can say things that we wouldn't dream about saying in church. This is not the type of conduct Paul was promoting, this type does not point people to Jesus, 'Well no one's listening', you may think. They are - Jesus and He is not pleased. Also, what if a neighbour overhears or is standing at your front door. It's not good and, needs rectifying.

Paul was saying we should be models to a watching world despite opposition that may come our way. We should be living in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This brings a unity that draws people together. Any other behaviour causes division that hurts the spread of the Gospel.

I once spoke to a young prisoner and he told me, 'I will be a Christian for six days a week but on the seventh day, I reserve the right to go out and punch and kick who I want to'. You may smile but it's true. I told him that it doesn't work like that and he decided to give it some thought. He did later become a Christian.

There is no room for split lives, it is all or nothing with Jesus. His conduct was impeccable and He wants ours to be the same. He knows we'll make mistakes doing this but, He is there to help us.

Are there things that you need to change to attain the conduct Jesus wants? If there is, He will help you if, you ask Him.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

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