Philippians 1:27

The Bible does not let our Christianity be something passive.  Too often we think that as long as we have said a prayer and go to church on at least a semi-regular basis we will be good with God.  But the Scriptures have a way of reminding us that being a Christian has a lot to do with how we live. 

Allow me to be clear from the beginning - you cannot save yourself by doing anything.  When you are saved however, it is equally clear that you are saved to do things that will bring honor and glory to God.  Ephesians 2 talks about the grace that destroys our works but states that the purpose of this grace is to create us in Christ for good works.  There is another reminder of our need to live for God in Philippians 1.

"Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;"  (Philippians 1:27, NASB)

There are two words that I find interesting in this verse.  The first is conduct.  Our conduct is to be worthy of the gospel of Christ.  This is fascinating because apart from Christ we are not worthy.  But Paul tells us that when Christ does a work in us, our lives our now for Christ (see 1:21).  He goes on to describe some of what this conduct looks like - namely that we would stand firm in one spirit and with one mind strive together for the faith of the gospel.  He then in the beginning of chapter two fleshes this out a bit more.  Conduct worthy of the gospel is unselfish and points to the example of Christ in its humility and service for others.  And in 2:14 Paul reminds us that we are to do all of this without grumbling and complaining.  What a challenge. 

The second word that I am interested in for our purposes is the word "Striving".  Being a Christian can be tough.  It may require hard work.  In fact, it will require hard work.  It is hard work to set aside self and strive together with another group of people for the purpose of the faith of the gospel.  This will mean I will not get my way and I will be ok.  Because my purpose now is to work hard to make sure that the gospel is my priority.   Not myself.  Not my will.  Not my way.  The Gospel. 

I wonder if people see my life if they see that I am working hard for the gospel?  What about you?  Are you working hard for the gospel or are you working for something or someone else?  We are to conduct ourselves and strive together for the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Christianity is a very active endeavor!