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Whatever happens…

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ (Phil. 1:27).

The Apostle Paul wrote the letter of Philippians from jail. In Acts, when Ananias was told to approach Paul as a new believer, God gave additional commentary about his plans for Paul: “I will show him how much he must suffer for my name”(Acts 9:16).

Paul experienced challenges everywhere he went. He experienced so much hardship that he listed the difficulties at times, including episodes of imprisonment, beatings, lashings, riots, shipwrecks, sleepless nights, dishonor, rejection and desertion. Nevertheless, Paul had a great faith to endure a hard life in a difficult world.

To do this, Paul made decisions that changed the direction of his life. In the face of significant obstacles and opposition, Paul penned some of the most powerful and memorable phrases that fuel our faith:

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain (Phil. 1:21).

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves (Phil. 2:3).

Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose (Phil. 2:12-13).

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me (Phil. 3:12).

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:6-7).

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Phil. 4:13).

In the midst of the difficulties, distractions and division of this world, God calls the church to be undivided.

Again and again, Paul describes conduct that is both counter-intuitive and counter-cultural. We cannot follow the way of the world or let it shape us into its mold. Instead, we are called to “conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel.”

As Christians, we have confidence that God is bigger than any problem we may face or season we may endure. He tells us that no matter what happens around us, God will accomplish a work in us, among us and through us if we fix our hope completely on him.

In the midst of the difficulties, distractions and division of this world, God calls the church to be undivided.

God deserves our undivided affection. The gospel deserves our undivided attention. Our communities desperately need to see an undivided church. A group of people that, despite differences in color, class and culture, are called to be “United in spirit, intent on one purpose” (Phil. 2:2, NASB).

In this next season, we have an opportunity to impact a world desperately looking for hope, help and healing. God’s calling on our lives is to live in a way consistent with what we say we believe. He wants each of us to live a life worthy of the gospel of Christ. May God’s word inform us, the Holy Spirit empower us and the people of God encourage us as we honor God, regardless of whatever happens.