Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. —Philippians 1:27

 Click here to read today’s Scripture: Philippians 1:19-29

When I was 19 years old, making plans to attend a Christian college, my father urged me to get a job in the large factory where he had worked for almost 20 years. He wanted me to have the certainty of a good paycheck and a pension when I was ready to retire. I chose college. The factory closed a couple of years later.

Certainty is an illusion. We think that if we just make the right decisions, choose wisely, and prepare, we will be in control. But there are too many moving pieces in life that are totally not under our control. That is clear to anyone who follows the news. Governments make decisions that affect our daily life. Prices go up, storms come, epidemics and even pandemics break out. And we can do nothing to stop these things from happening.

Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians in a time of great uncertainty for the church. The great apostle who had led many of them to Jesus and discipled them was imprisoned in Rome. He didn’t know how long he would be there. He wondered if he would go on living or die for his faith. But of one thing he was certain: the gospel of Jesus Christ. He had given everything to share that gospel, and he knew that whether he lived or died, he was in God’s hands (Philippians 1:19-26).

For the Philippian church, not knowing if they would ever see him again and facing the prospect of persecution themselves, Paul had one clear instruction: “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (1:27). He couldn’t tell them what would happen, but he could remind them to live their lives for Jesus, remembering the good news of new life in Christ.

The rest of Paul’s letter expands on that command to live worthy of the gospel. He talks about unity, humility, living life without complaining and arguing, and keeping their minds focused on the good and the beautiful. Whatever happens, live a blameless and pure life even as you live in a crooked and depraved society, “in which you shine like stars as you hold out the word of life” (Philippians 2:15-16).

None of us knows what tomorrow holds. But we will be ready for whatever it brings if we are living our lives for Jesus, in gratitude for what He has done in our lives. Then we will bring glory to Him, and we will have the certainty that we are in His hands—whatever happens.

Reflect: Is there a hardship that you’re currently battling? How might you be able to reflect Christ, even in the midst of it?

Prayer Starter: 

Lord, thank you for Your guiding hand throughout my life. In times of uncertainty and trouble, help me to shine Your glory. 

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