Now that I have a new perspective on things, I find that I can keep my “resolving” in check—for the most part. There is one thing in particular that I’ve been thinking on for several weeks---How does my life advance the gospel?
For the past weeks/months I have become increasingly weary of hearing, seeing, reading all sorts of debate and arguments over peripheral issues. Debate and discussion have their place, but what is most important?
It really struck me a few weeks ago when I was listening to a NFL analyst talk about Tim Tebow. There has been so much sports debate about whether or not Tebow will make it in the NFL, but this guy was different. He was completely amazed at Tebow’s testimony. Of course, he didn’t use the word “testimony”, but he talked on and on about how Tebow reacts to adversity, how he treats those who say mean things about him, etc. This analyst said that he considered himself to be a spiritual person, but whatever it is that Tebow has, he wants it. Personally, I like to watch Tim Tebow play football, and I hope he succeeds. If you ask Tim Tebow, I’m pretty sure that to him football is a tool that will give him a platform to advance the gospel. Football happens to be the platform God has given Tim Tebow.
What has God given me? We easily fall into the trap of thinking, “If I were famous…., If I had lots of money…., If I lived in a certain place…..then it would be easier for me to live for Christ.” That’s not how it works. We are to live for Christ and advance the gospel from wherever we are right now.
For those of you who have read earlier blog posts, you know that I love Philippians. Recently I sat down and read through Philippians twice in one sitting. I was struck by just how much Paul addresses the topic of advancing the gospel. Paul was usually “on the run” or in prison, yet look at what he has to say about how we are to live to advance the gospel of Christ.
Paul says in 1:12-14, I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. He goes on to say in verse 16, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
In verses 18-21 he continues, I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Verse 27: 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,
Chapter 2:1-8 – These verses speak for themselves. What an example of humility Christ is for us! Following this example would transform our lives.
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men, and being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
2:16 – Holding fast to the Word of Life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
The above verses from chapter 2 are a huge rebuke to me. I struggle constantly with the tendency to defend myself and others close to me. If I have been wronged, it is easy for me to feel like that I deserve to put them in their place. I don’t. It’s not up to me. I don’t have to have the last word. I need to show Christ.
3:12-17 – Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
I, too, have not arrived and am far from perfect, but I do strive to press on daily. Don’t get hung up on past failures. Assess where you are now and press on!
I’ll close with my favorite verses from chapter 4…
Verses 4-9 – Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding; will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Verse 13 – I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Verse 19 – And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
We tend to quote verse 19 with physical needs in mind: food, money, clothes, etc. I don’t think I’ve ever heard it explained any other way, but of course we have more than just those physical needs. Well, I do, anyway. I need comfort, security, strength, patience, wisdom, grace…..God supplies those needs too…in abundance!
Am I living in such a way that my very way of life advances the gospel? It’s possible. Following Christ’s example of humility, having my mind/thoughts on track, trusting wholly in God for what I need both physically and spiritually…..those things will enable me to reflect Christ to others every day.
Happy New Year!
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