Philippians 1:27-30

“Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit…” vs. 27a

Paul had been invited to come to Macedonia to proclaim the good news of Christ in a dream. Trusting in the Spirit, he found a ship that would take him across the Aegean Sea to Philippi. Knowing no one, he found a group of women praying by a river on the Sabbath, and that was the beginning. The congregation, with Lydia as a leader, prospered, and when Paul was arrested and chased out of town, the community flourished and grew.

Paul was so proud of the Philippians and, when in prison, continued to remember them with thanksgiving and joy. As he wrote this letter to them he had one wish, that they would continue to live their lives in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ and stand firm in one spirit. 

We can understand why Paul might feel that way. It’s the way a pastor might feel about a previous congregation or a mom or dad would feel about their kids. We care deeply about those who come after us, and if we’re honest, we’d love it if they lived in a way that was consistent with the gospel of Christ. Pastors will rejoice when they hear good things about a previous congregation. Parents will rejoice if their grandchildren love Jesus. It’s a powerful sign of hope.

Thought for the Day: What do I want for my descendents?