stephen R Harrison

(Read Philippians 1:27a)

When I was a kid, my dad and I would go fishing religiously twice a year for a solid week (Spring and Fall Break).  We loved catching crappie and catfish.  It seemed those were the best for frying.  My dad would set trotlines to catch giant catfish and would use baitfish like skipjack and shad to catch them.  I watched him throw a net at the lock and dam and haul in many baitfish.  When he thought I was old enough, he let me toss the net and pull them in.

I remember him saying, “Whatever happens, don’t let go of the rope. Hold on tight. I’ll be right there to help.” He didn’t want me to panic, get distracted, or play around when casting the net.  A lot was happening at that moment: balancing on the rocks, casting the net, listening for my dad among the loud waves of the dam, hauling in the fish, and even watching for snakes! My dad knew the net could get hung on a rock or possibly have more fish than I could pull in myself. He was confident he could help me with whatever might happen.  I’m unsure what happened, but I vividly remember dropping the rope after casting the net. It was gone. Our bait fishing and our trot lining for giant catfish was over.  

In Philippians 1:27, Paul tells the believers, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” A lot was happening when Paul wrote this to the Philippians. Like him, they faced imprisonment for their bold faith. Philippi was a Roman colony, and Rome expected allegiance.  Paul encouraged them to live for Christ and His kingdom through their conduct regardless of context or trial.  They were to live as faithful citizens of heaven by “being blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15).  

Christians have a testimony to share and show in this world.  We are to be, like Peter said, “holy, godly, and found in him in peace, spotless and blameless” (2 Peter 3:11, 14).  We should not live in fear, disregard, or folly when living out the gospel.  Doing so could cause us to drop the gospel banner of His kingdom and harm our witness to those needing to see the power of Christ within us.  Our misconduct as gospel light bearers can dishonor and misrepresent Christ, leading to an ineffective testimony and inaccurate expression of His Kingdom.

Questions for the Head (Think)

• How have you dealt with the “whatever happens” moments in life?

Reflection for the Heart (Worship)

• Take time to pray and ask God to give you Christlike character to remain faithful.  Ask for boldness to share His gospel, whatever may happen.

Action for the Hands (Do)

• Think about some potential or anticipated “whatever happens” moments.  Process how you will initially respond in words and actions.  What Scriptures do you need to help guide you?  What truths should be at the forefront?  Do you need someone else to pray with you to persevere victoriously?