Good Morning Friends,
“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 one spirit,
contending as one man 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 on 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)
Paul had an interesting perspective on
suffering for the Gospel. He considered it a gift from God! Paul says that it
had been granted the Philippians to suffer for Christ.
That doesn’t mean suffering should be sought
after. It does mean that if suffering for Christ comes our way, we should not
run from it. Rather, we should view it as a privilege. God has considered us
strong enough to be His soldiers in a difficult battle.
Some are laughed at and ridiculed by those with
whom they work. Some are shunned by their neighbors. Some are rejected by their
family members. In some parts of the world the suffering goes beyond these
things to actual physical suffering for Christ and death. It is a battle and
there are wounds and casualties in a battle. Thank God if He considers you a
soldier He can count on.
Paul includes an admonition, too. Live in a
manner worthy of the Gospel. If you do suffer, be sure you are suffering for
Christ and not because of your own stubbornness or pride or self-righteousness
or other impure attitudes or actions.
His, by Grace,
Steve
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