“Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.” (Philippians 1:27 NLT)
It has never been more critical for us to stand together as one in the Body of Christ than it is right now. Conducting ourselves “in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ” means so much more than living a holy life unto the Lord as an individual believer in Jesus. As vitally important as individual holiness of life is, of itself it won’t make that much difference to those around us.
For nearly five years, I’ve been sending notes and passing out invitations to Easter and Christmas activities in my neighborhood, but of the hundreds of people who live in my neighborhood I can count on one hand the people that even seem to care. My impact seems minimal on the lives of my neighbors in terms of their need of a growing relationship with Jesus. But a few weeks ago, about 10 of us from my Men’s Group went to serve our city at a local outreach our church supports, and I sensed a greater impact of our corporate efforts in one day than I’ve felt in my individual efforts in five years.
Why is that? I believe there’s power in numbers when it comes to our devotion to Jesus. It’s so easy to get discouraged when we’re standing alone, but when even one other brother or sister is standing with us in the battle, our resolve is strengthened and our courage increases. Jesus speaks to this in Matthew 18:20 when He said: “For where two or three gather together as My followers, I am there among them.”
It saddens me to realize how vitally important it was to Jesus for Peter, James, and John to stand with Him in prayer in the Garden, but they couldn’t stay awake. In those hours of desperation when His soul was wrestling with Satan over the fate of mankind, He was utterly alone. Reflecting the worth of Christ should cement us together, especially in difficult times.
How many of our friends, loved ones, neighbors, co-workers, classmates, and others we know, and love are standing alone in their fight for survival and we’re not even aware? Holy Spirit awaken us from our slumber and give us sensitivity to those who are fighting for their life a few feet away from us. Open our minds and hearts to think their thoughts and feel their pain that we might come along side of them, strengthening their resolve to fight on for the glory of our Savior.
As I was struggling recently, unsure of how long I could go on, I received a call from a dear brother who just wanted to lift me to the Lord in prayer. No judgment, no lectures, no “words of wisdom,” just speaking to the Lord on my behalf words of Scripture I knew, but of which I needed to be reminded, words of friendship and love that were so refreshing to my soul. I couldn’t hold back the tears as my heart released some of the anguish and pain I was holding in.
How grateful I am for loving, caring, wise, comforting, strengthening brothers and sisters in Christ who know how to reflect the worth of Christ in their love for others, especially those who are hurting.
I’m strengthened by my brother Ray Majoran’s powerful words as he prays: “God of all grace, You have called us into a life that reflects the worth of Christ, shaping not only what we believe but how we walk each day before You. You have brought us into one body and set our feet on a path of purpose and truth. We praise You for the unity You create among Your people, binding us together in a shared hope that is anchored in Christ alone (Ephesians 4:3-4).”
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 