Do people around you know what team you're on?
We’re not supposed to be invisible. If Jesus has saved you from your sins, everyone around you should know by the way that you live.
Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. (Philippians 2:12-13)
Who did you cheer for in the latest Superbowl?
I’m not hugely into sports, but even I watch the Superbowl. It’s a big deal. And this year, again, it was even more important because the Kansas City Chiefs were playing. Granted, they are based in Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas is the lesser known half of the population there. But it still has Kansas in the name, and that’s the most notoriety we can hope for here in our little flatland home.
The Wizard of Oz. Tornadoes. General flatness. And the Kansas City Chiefs. Pretty much our whole personality if you listen to popular opinion. (Don’t believe a word of it. Our personalities are actually chili and cinnamon rolls.)
The Superbowl is a polarizing cultural event. There are only two teams, and most people will cheer for one over the other. What’s interesting is that you can usually tell who sports fans are celebrating. Some folks are really into it, dressing in team colors and painting their faces and all that jazz. But at the very least, you can identify who someone is cheering for by how they react when their team scores.
This comparison has been done to death, but that’s because it works. If you were to ask the people around you what “team” you’re on, would they know you’re with Jesus? Does your behavior match what Jesus says is right? Does your life match up with what Jesus says matters?
It’s easy to be an undercover Christian, especially as opposition to Christ keeps getting fiercer and meaner. (Ironically, much of the opposition to God’s Truth is coming from inside the church now instead of outside it. We’ll talk about that some other time.) But we’re not supposed to be invisible. If you’re saved, everyone around you should know that you’re saved by the way that you live.
I don’t usually just post big chunks of Scripture, but usually the Scripture says it better than I can. Check out these three directives and the purpose for them that Paul gives the Church of Philippi in Philippians 2:12-18.
Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy. (Philippians 2:14-18)
Don’t complain and argue so that non-believers have nothing bad to say about you. Live irreproachable lives so that you stand out in the darkness of the world. Cling to God’s Word so you know what to do when don’t have the answers. Living this way is your offering to God.
So how about it? Is that how you live? If you were to ask the people around you if this description fits your lifestyle, what would they say?
Do you complain? Do you argue? So much that it’s part of your personality? Can unbelievers look at you and know you’re different? Is your life full of light? Do you go to Scripture to know what is true?
At the beginning of this passage, Paul urges the Philippian believers to work hard to show the results of their salvation. That’s what this is. Salvation is an inward change. It’s a redemption and a restoration of your heart and spirit, and on the outside there’s no way to tell if it’s real or not.
We aren’t working hard to be saved. Jesus saved us. But we have to be intentional about living like Jesus. We have to purposefully adjust our choices to be like Jesus. And it’s no different than wearing a team jersey or painting your face for your favorite sports team.
Anyone can say they follow Jesus, but only one who truly believes in Him can live like it. Which one are you?
For Deeper Study
Read 2 Corinthians 5:17. How does this verse relate to someone who wants to start over? If something is gone away, should it still direct today’s choices if you have a better option?
Read Psalm 139:23-24. What insight does this verse give us about knowing whether we have sinned or not?
Read Matthew 5:13-16. How does this passage relate to a Christian who isn’t living like Jesus? Why is it important for those who say they follow Jesus to act like they do?
For Reflection
How do you feel about Christians who say they live for Jesus but participate in a lifestyle that He has said is sinful?
How would you help a Christian who isn’t living like Jesus to understand why it matters?
What changes do you need to make in your own life?
Weekly Memory Verse
