What Will I Hear About You?

Living a Life Worthy of the Gospel: What Will Others Hear About You?

Have you ever wondered what people say about you when you’re not around? As Christians, we should be more concerned with what our lives say about our faith. The Apostle Paul, writing to the Philippian church, posed a challenging question that we should all consider: What will I hear about you?

Our Citizenship is in Heaven

As believers, we’re called to live for another world. Paul reminds us in Philippians 1:27, “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ.” This phrase “manner of life” comes from the Greek word that gives us “politics” – it’s about our citizenship. But Paul isn’t talking about our earthly citizenship. He clarifies in Philippians 3:20, “But our citizenship is in heaven.”

This truth should radically change how we live. Are we investing everything in this world, or are we living with eternity in mind? As the old hymn says, we’re “just a-passing through” this world. Our priorities, values, and passions should reflect our heavenly citizenship.

I often wonder if we struggle with sin and temptation because we’ve taken our eyes off Jesus. When we focus on Him, “the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

Striving Together for the Gospel

Paul’s second concern was whether the Philippians were making the gospel their priority. He longed to hear that they were “standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27).

This unity in the gospel is crucial. We’re called to stand firm like soldiers in the trenches, defending the truth. At the same time, we’re to strive together like athletes, working as one team for a common goal. 

Imagine a stadium full of fans from all walks of life, united in cheering for their team. That’s how we should be as the church – diverse in background but united in our passion for the gospel. Are we standing firm on the truth of God’s Word? Are we working together to make Christ known?

Suffering for Christ’s Sake

Finally, Paul speaks of suffering for Christ. He says in Philippians 1:29, “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake.”

This is a tough pill to swallow. We often want the glory without the suffering. But Paul presents suffering for Christ as a gift of grace. It’s not a question of if we will suffer, but when and how much.

Suffering serves two purposes:

1. It’s a witness to unbelievers (Philippians 1:28)
2. It’s an assurance to believers of their salvation (Philippians 1:28)

Throughout history, believers have shown remarkable grace in suffering. Polycarp, facing martyrdom, said, “Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He never did me injury. How then can I blaspheme my King and Savior?” This kind of testimony can only come through God’s grace.

Putting It Into Practice

So, what will others hear about you? Here are some practical steps to live out this message:

1. Evaluate your priorities: Are they aligned with your heavenly citizenship?
2. Unite with other believers: How can you strive side by side for the gospel in your local church?
3. Prepare for suffering: Ask God for grace to stand firm when trials come.
4. Be a witness: Let your response to difficulties show others the power of the gospel.

Remember, as we sang, “Oh how good it is when the family of God dwells together in spirit, in faith and unity.” May we be a church that lives for another world, makes the gospel our priority, and is willing to suffer for the cause of Christ.

Let’s pray that when others speak of us, they’ll say, “Those people truly live like their citizenship is in heaven.”