“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
Philippians 1:27
This, in a letter from a Christian in chains, imprisoned, alone, suffering in the body. Whatever happens, conduct yourselves worthy of the gospel. That whether we are laughed at because of our declaration that Jesus is Savior and Lord, whether we are hungry or in pain or dying or grieving a loss, whatever happens, live each day for the gospel.
What a high calling. And what an impossible command, if I may speak for myself. How many times have I lost my temper over a silly thing, lashed back at those who hurt me, or, worse, hurt others—surely not thinking of the gospel in those moments?
But take heart, Christian with many flaws, in your fight against the tide of your very nature and the patterns of the world, because “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).”
The task is impossible but pursue it anyway, because the one who gave you the desire (and indeed the command) to be holy in the way you live today is the same God who said, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20).”
Letters in Longhand 