Christ's calling

Christ calls us to follow him, regardless of the situation. As we read Paul’s words in Philippians 1:12-30, we find a man who is under house arrest, but still living in a way that he shares the gospel with those around him.

Paul writes the following…

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. (Philippians 1:27-30)

These are both challenging and encouraging words. Regardless of what happens to you, live your life in such a way that the gospel, the announcement of the Kingdom of God, pours forth from your life through your words and actions.

This will not be easy. As Paul says, we don’t just believe in Christ we suffer for him. When we live our lives in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, there will be challenging times before us. When you stand against the powers of this world, they will fight back.

This does not mean every moment of your life will involve suffering or that it will always be difficult. However, we are naïve if we believe that life will be easy if we follow Jesus.

There are times when people abandon their faith because things get difficult. Whether a job loss, a death, divorce, or a variety of other challenges, these kinds of events can bring us to a place where we question God and what we believe.

There is nothing wrong with the doubt, but it is what we do with the doubt and difficulty that makes all the difference. It is in these moments that we must remember that we are not called to a comfortable life; we are called to a life of sacrifice. It is in those moments that we must remember that we have been called to serve a God who sacrificed.

Christ lived in a manner worthy of the gospel and he was killed for it. Should we expect any different? This doesn’t mean that by living for Christ we will be killed. But it does mean that following Christ will often bring us to places we never expected and challenges we never anticipated. And it is in those moments that our witness can be the most powerful, if we are willing to follow the One who goes before us.

 

shine!
Jason