Calendar

A CONSISTENT CONDUCT
WEDNESDAY, MAY 10
Philippians 2:12-18

1 Thessalonians 1:5-10

 

“…not as in my presence only,
but now much more

in my absence…”

 

A CONSISTENT CONDUCT
 
Sometimes when we try to share the Gospel, we are met with such a retort: “I don’t want to go to church because all Christians are hypocrites!” Sadly, there is an element of truth to that observation. There are many that are not consistent in their conduct, and do not live out the Gospel that they proclaim.
 
That was Paul’s concern for the Christians at Philippi. He exhorted them to make sure that their testimony was consistent with the Gospel that they believed in. Perhaps because of the close and warm relationship that he shared with this church, he knew that when he was there in their midst, they were very willing to hearken to his words. However, he stressed that it was not just about obeying in his presence, but much more in his absence. The purpose of our obedience is not to please man, but to please God! If we put up a show of obedience just because we know that is expected of us, then what will happen when we are surrounded by unbelievers? Will our behaviour change just because of the environment that we are in?
 
The true test comes when no one is watching, or when we are surrounded by unbelievers who are not concerned about our obedience. Will we give in to temptation and fall into sin? Will we succumb to the pressure to conform to the ways of the world? Or will we still be able to maintain a consistent conduct for the Lord?
 
If our service to God and our testimony for Him is not a consistent one, then we become hypocrites, trying to put up a mere façade of obedience in order to please man. No, what we must have is true, sincere, obedience to the Lord. It should not matter who is watching, or who is present with us. We must seek to live a life of holiness, and do so consistently, diligently, for the Lord alone. That is when our testimony is most effective, for people will be able to see that we are truly living for God, pleasing Him and not man.
 
THOUGHT: What is the motivation behind my obedience?
PRAYER: Father, may Thou grant me the conviction and courage to obey Thee consistently, no matter what.

Search