This is a great statement by the Apostle Paul in the first chapter of the book of Philippians, verse 27. It is part of the larger verse where Paul is exhorting the believers in Philippi to live their lives in such a way that their godly reputation is known, whether Paul is there in their city or away in some other place. This is a very important aspect of the Christian life, our reputation. We should never do things for people in order to "impress them" or to "win their favor", as Christians we are charged by God to do everything for Him and His pleasure not worrying about what others think. However, as we seek to live our lives for the glory of God the light of God will shine in us and then out from us into to the world. Jesus himself said in the sermon on the mount (Matt 5:16) "let your light so shine before men and women that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
The problem is that these words are easy to say and to repeat, but hard to live out. There are so many opportunities in our lives to settle, compromise, "sin a little bit", or even do the external things that look like "light" or a "manner of life worthy" but not really be living it out in our heart. I always struggle with the temptation to "appear worthy" but know that my heart is not fully there. That is why this phrase in verse 27 is so encouraging, because Paul is telling us it can be done. In Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit we can actually have a life worthy. We don't have to pretend and we don't have to live with the inner knowledge that we are a fake or a spiritual fraud. Rather, as Paul exhorts us to live, we can take assurance that our lives can be the testimony he is desiring from the believers in Philippi.
These last several days I have been challenged to look within my heart and ask the honest questions, "Am I living my life in a manner worthy of Jesus?" In some areas I am doing pretty good, but in many other areas I am settling and not really wanting or asking God to do something "spiritual" in my life day to day. And yet, He waits...He waits for me, He waits for you, He waits for all His children to come to a point of decision wherein we will humbly ask Him, "Father, you know my sins, but in spite of them will you help me to live a life worthy of Jesus?" Pray for me when you read this that I would stay close to God so that He can do this work in me. I pray for you and for all the followers of Jesus that we would want God to do the same in us.
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