"It's All About Focus"

By: Zach Wood

Philippians 1:27a

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

 

 

As I was reading through this first chapter Paul wrote. in Philippians, I thought about how much torture he went through to get the Gospel preached.  He was not a weak man by any means when it came to getting the Truth out to people.  If anyone had a reason to complain, Paul did.  He went through more than most of us will go through in a lifetime.  We think we get bumps and bruises here and there in our lives.  But Paul got ridiculed, beaten and put into chains for the glory of God!  How many of us would honestly continue praising God is we were in chains?  I might find myself complaining more than praising God for continuing to give me strength to glorify Him. 

 

Paul had a decision to make.  He could either focus on the pain and torture he was enduring, or he could focus on praising God and growing through trials that made him stronger in faith and endurance.  Thankfully, he chose the latter.  As he writes this chapter encouraging the people in Philippi to be strong, he explains that it is important to continue speaking the truth even when persecution comes.  He makes a very bold statement in the above passage.  Two very important words, "Whatever happens..."  A little later on in chapter 4, he explains how he has learned to be content with whatever he has in life and that he can do all things through Christ who gives him strength.  Paul lives out a life that is strong and faithful to Christ whatever happens.  He encourages us to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of Christ no matter what is going on in our lives.  That is a hard challenge! 

 

As I continue to live each day, I am faced again and again with the decision that I can either focus on problems or I can focus on my Savior Who strengthens me to persevere.  I really want to have an attitude, at all times, that shows the love of Christ to those around me.  I need to be so much better in living out a life that displays Christ's love no matter what happens to me or around me.  I want to have an "A" in conduct on my report card for following Christ. 

 

I hope and pray that it is your sole desire to conduct yourself in a matter worthy of Jesus Christ.  When others look at you, do they see a person who is always responding in disgust and anger?  Or, do people see responses of love and concern?  I must say that I struggle with my responses toward people constantly.  I am working hard on this area in my life and I know that God is giving me strength to overcome.  I have several loving people who confront me with this issue and I need that. 

 

How is your focus when the problems and trials of life come crashing down?  Do you rely on the strength of Christ or do you respond in a way that turns people away from the Cross?  Paul urges us all to have a conduct worthy of being a follower of Christ.