Meditation for Monday
Only, let your conversation be as it becometh the Gospel of Christ, that whether I come and see you or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the Gospel. Philippians 1:27
The word ‘Gospel’ is used twice in today’s text. What does our responsibility concerning the Gospel entail? A definition I read recently placed three crtitical aspects on our involvement in the Gospel: A message to be proclaimed (see Mark 16:15; 1 Corinthians 15:1); A Person to be presented (see Acts 8:35, Acts 9:20); and A lifestyle to be practiced (see today’s text and Titus 2:10). These three go together and cannot be separated if we are to be faithful in our Gospel duties toward God.
Not all of us can proclaim the message. But we can all support those who do in prayer and practical means. Not all of us have an opportunity to present Christ in the Gospel, but we can all be the kind of Christian who will not take away from the preaching of the cross. As to the third aspect, this is something that applies to all of us, we must all practice the lifestyle into which the Gospel has brought us.
Our conversation – that is, our manner of life – should be a commendation to the Gospel. Nothing about the way we live should bring reproach on the Gospel. Our neighbours and relatives should see no inconsistencies in the way we live and the faith that we profess. There should be no hint of immorality or ungodly behaviour. Nothing about us should cause the unsaved to be uninterested in hearing the Gospel. There is no room for hypocricy, which is probably the biggest hindrance to the preaching of the Gospel in North America today. How tragic for some poor sinners to go to hell because someone who claimed to be a Christian behaved shamefully un-Christlike!
Paul also reminded the Philippians of their responsibility to strive together. Unity in a Gospel effort is essential. How can we expect God to bless meetings in which some members of the Assembly throw themselves whole-heartedly into the effort and other members make it obvious that they just don’t care?
This is the season when a Gospel series is probably being held near enough for you to take an interest. Can you in good conscience invite people to attend Gospel meetings? Can you show unity with other Christians in effort and desire for God to save souls at this time? -Jim MacIntosh