Practicing the Example of Christ Exemplo

Worthy Conduct

The right perspective makes all the difference in the world. Seeing things in their proper perspective can change our thinking and, ultimately, our responses to the things around us. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul brings perspective on who they are and how they should behave. He refers to the church as partners in the gospel and partakers of grace. 

We learn, in Philippians 1:9–10, that Paul prays for the Phillipians’ love to abound in knowledge and discernment so that they will pursue the important things of God. If you are familiar with the Word or have been a follower of Christ for a while, you will know this pivotal statement that he made – “To live is Christ, to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21) – the ultimate win-win scenario. Paul is calling the Philippians partners, praying for them, telling them to pursue important things. Then, he makes his point: life is Christ. He moves to the crux of the letter- “Let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27). 

Worthy conduct is that which expresses the worth of Christ. It is not good conduct done out of guilt or obligation, but in gratitude for what Christ has done. 

Paul encourages believers to stand in one spirit and strive with one mind together for the faith of the gospel. He knew that disunity and division had erupted within the church. He wanted the Philippians to behave as citizens of Christ (Philippians 3:20). Our citizenship is in heaven, graced to us, given because of who Christ is and what He did. We did not earn nor buy this citizenship. You are a citizen of heaven; therefore, conduct yourself in a manner worthy of heaven. You have the good news of the gospel, so strive together with one mind. Let us stand fast, in unity, on the ground that Christ has already taken for us. On behalf of Christ, we have been granted not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake (Philippians 1:29). It is this perspective that Paul is sharing with the church. 

The conduct advised by Paul is about unity, not uniformity. We can be of the same love and one mind by showing it through humility and unity. We think and act like Christ when we humble ourselves and care about others.