“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. “ (Philippians 1:27-28)
In this time of social unrest and chaos we believers may want to shrink back from sharing the message of the gospel. We fear the cost, or the ostracism. We fear the loss of social position or status. We fear the criticism and ridicule of others. So we would rather embrace our worldly culture and values rather than stand firm in the faith.
Not so Saint Paul or the believers in the church at Philippi. Paul, himself in prison in Rome for the sake of the gospel, was concerned for the faith of those fellow believers, that they would remain true to God’s Word despite the consequences of persecution and hatred. Paul did not see these tribulations as a reason to shrink back from preaching the gospel or from living a life pleasing to God.
Perhaps when we face obstacles, ridicule, and even mild discomfort from those who hate Jesus and His Word, we tend to get upset and aggravated. Yet Paul and the Philippians deliberately placed themselves at risk to far greater perils and more immediate dangers than we, to the point of suffering violence, imprisonment, and martyrdom. Nevertheless they continued to preach the gospel and perform works of compassion and mercy despite the cost to them.
We who have faith, we who serve Jesus, we can follow their example by the power of His indwelling Holy Spirit. We need not fear those who engage in violence and promote division and hatred. Their wickedness is a clear sign that they are headed for destruction for they face the just and righteous hand of the Lord whom they oppose. Instead of shrinking from the conflict we, we need to have compassion on the lost. We must continue to seek to create and take advantage of opportunities to spread the gospel of grace and mercy through faith in Christ. So let us ask the Lord to use us, for our enemy the devil is constantly are fighting to control human souls and lead them astray. We should also persevere in this battle to bring souls to faith and in Christ Jesus to enjoy eternal fellowship with Him in His Heavenly Kingdom.