Philippians 1:27 Just one thing: Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in on spirit, with one mind,working side by side for the faith that comes from the gospel, Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
You may have heard it said before in relation to coaching, to teaching and even to preaching, when some one asks of an instructor "what is the most important thing" and the response is something like. "the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing." For the last couple of days we've been considering what it means, what it looks like to have the right "mind set" and to "set our minds" on thing above, and the way to do that is to read, to listen to the words of Jesus and the Bible and apply them in our lives.
Today's verse is a reminder of what that looks like, that one thing mentioned is the main thing, live a life worthy of Christ. Paul then goes on to describe such a person, think of these traits. Standing firm in one spirit, with one mind - in unity with other believers, working- (it is not a passive thing), side by side - in relation with one another and in Christ, for the faith - it is for a purpose beyond us that benefits us and those that we are standing with.
John MacArthur writes that "believers are to have integrity, ie., to live consistent with what they believe, teach and preach." Would that describe our lives? If so, it would show that we have the right mindset, the mind of Christ, that we set our minds on following Him, and live a life that is worthy of Him. That is a tall order, but one that is possible if we have that mindset and live "for the faith that comes from the gospel."
The Message tells us that it is not just for the hear and now but that it is for "as long as I'm alive in this body, there is work for me to do". (The Message)
In Christ,
Mike
Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
Philippians 1:26-30The Message (MSG)
22-26 As long as I'm alive in this body, there is good work for me to do. If I had to choose right now, I hardly know which I'd choose. Hard choice! The desire to break camp here and be with Christ is powerful. Some days I can think of nothing better. But most days, because of what you are going through, I am sure that it's better for me to stick it out here. So I plan to be around awhile, companion to you as your growth and joy in this life of trusting God continues. You can start looking forward to a great reunion when I come visit you again. We'll be praising Christ, enjoying each other.
27-30 Meanwhile, live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ. Let nothing in your conduct hang on whether I come or not. Your conduct must be the same whether I show up to see things for myself or hear of it from a distance. Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people's trust in the Message, the good news, not flinching or dodging in the slightest before the opposition. Your courage and unity will show them what they're up against: defeat for them, victory for you—and both because of God. There's far more to this life than trusting in Christ. There's also suffering for him. And the suffering is as much a gift as the trusting. You're involved in the same kind of struggle you saw me go through, on which you are now getting an updated report in this letter.
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