PHILIPPIANS 1:27

Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.

TO PONDER

In my family, I am child number two of four. So, I have one older brother who is about 14 months older than me. No big deal but he is also smarter than me, is more outgoing than me, is funnier than me, and… well you get the point! 

My childhood was frustrating, our disagreements would start off small and would inevitably escalate to battles of Biblical proportions, just short of Cain and Abel (me being Cain). Due to his intelligence, quick-wit, and his early grasp of sarcasm my choice of repartee was violence.   

Our brotherly discord was so legendary that friends would leave our sleepovers and refuse to return, ever.

Today’s verse is contained within a letter Paul is writing to the Philippian church from prison, he begins the letter giving thanks to God for them and their willingness to share the Good News about Christ within this Roman colony.

Paul continues then to share the results of his own sharing of the Gospel in prison before he switches to the brotherly discord evident within the Philippian church. The jealousy, selfishness, and factions hidden within the church family in danger of ruining the message being shared.

Paul reminds them to conduct themselves worthy of the love and grace they carry as representatives of Christ’s gospel message together. 

As the church, the body of Christ, citizens of heaven we should fight using the weapons of love and grace both within our church community and to our neighbours in the world. Lead with the love and grace Jesus has shown to us.

PRAYER: Almighty Jesus, I thank you for showing me your love through grace even when I was at odds with you, I ask you to empower me to demonstrate that to my church, and my neighbours, in your name, Amen.

Today's devotion written by Danny Brock, LifeWay Westside