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. —Philippians 1:27 (NKJV).
Having established in the first part of this series the importance of letting the message of the Gospel show in your character, someone might say that with all the wickedness and betrayal in the world, it is not easy to live that way. I disagree. Even in days of great wickedness—like in the time of Jesus Christ, Lot, Joseph, and Noah—some people stood out because they modelled the kingdom. They distinguished themselves by their character, and we still talk about them today. You can do the same if you choose to.
There are no valid excuses for bad character. Two common reasons God’s people fail to reflect the Gospel are these: their minds are not fully committed to the demands of Scripture, and they are not wholly given to the Gospel’s message. Part of them wants the world’s values, and part wants God’s. Too often they pick and choose which commands to obey, treating Scripture like a menu instead of a manual for living. If you decide to submit wholly to God’s Word, showing the Gospel in your character becomes far less difficult.
I remember my own struggle with anger, unforgiveness, and holding grudges. For a long time I found it hard to let go. Then I read the exchange between Peter and Jesus where Peter asked, “Lord, if my brother keeps on sinning against me, how many times do I have to forgive him? Seven times?” Jesus answered, “No, not seven times, but seventy times seven.” —Matthew 18:21–22 (GNT). When I saw Jesus’ answer, I decided to obey His counsel, and that decision changed me. All it took was a choice—and today I enjoy the freedom that came from making that choice. That kind of decision is a clear sign of Christian maturity.
Beloved, your character should always reflect the message of the Gospel. Make the choice to obey the whole counsel of God. Let Scripture shape your responses, your speech, and your relationships. When you do, you will stand firm against the pressures and deceptions of the age—and your life will point others to the beauty of the Gospel. Hallelujah!
Today’s Rhema
Your character should reflect the message of the Gospel at all times!
Confession for the Day
Thank You, Heavenly Father, for today’s counsel. My life will continue to reflect the demands of the Gospel, and no matter the distractions out there, I refuse to give in. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
