Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
A Christian soldier who was home on furlough was rushing to catch his train when he ran into a fruit stand on the station platform. While the young boy who operated the fruit stand desperately tried to pick up his scattered fruit, the apologetic serviceman put down his luggage and started collecting the apples. He polished each one with his handkerchief and put it back on the counter. So impressed was the boy that he asked gratefully, “Soldier, are you Jesus?” With a smile the soldier replied, “No, but I’m trying to be like Him.” (Source: Our Daily Bread – 2009 Annual Edition)
The Apostle Paul was under house arrest, waiting to appear in court before Caesar, when he wrote this letter to the church in Philippi around A.D. 61. Even at this time, when the future is so uncertain, he tells them joyfully in verse 13 - “As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.” Do we also have this overwhelming desire like Paul to serve God and be identified with Him? As His children, let us always exhibit His character and love so that people around us may ask us, like the young boy, “Are you a follower of Jesus Christ or are you a Christian?
In verse 21, Paul says – “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” This shows the extent of his commitment to Jesus. If he lives, it is to serve and bear fruit for Jesus whatever the consequences. If he has to die, because his appeal is thrown out by Caesar, he considers it gain as he will be in the presence of the Lord. He wins both ways. What more could he ask for?
Let us pause for a moment How do people see us – as any other person on the street or are we identified as a follower of Christ by our words, actions and attitude. Remember, the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch because of their Christlike behavior. We are called out to share the good news of Christ’s coming into this world and dying to save the sins of the whole world.
The Apostle Paul was under house arrest, waiting to appear in court before Caesar, when he wrote this letter to the church in Philippi around A.D. 61. Even at this time, when the future is so uncertain, he tells them joyfully in verse 13 - “As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.” Do we also have this overwhelming desire like Paul to serve God and be identified with Him? As His children, let us always exhibit His character and love so that people around us may ask us, like the young boy, “Are you a follower of Jesus Christ or are you a Christian?
In verse 21, Paul says – “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” This shows the extent of his commitment to Jesus. If he lives, it is to serve and bear fruit for Jesus whatever the consequences. If he has to die, because his appeal is thrown out by Caesar, he considers it gain as he will be in the presence of the Lord. He wins both ways. What more could he ask for?
Let us pause for a moment How do people see us – as any other person on the street or are we identified as a follower of Christ by our words, actions and attitude. Remember, the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch because of their Christlike behavior. We are called out to share the good news of Christ’s coming into this world and dying to save the sins of the whole world.
PRAYER
Lord help us to lead a life like Paul. Help us to be identified as your followers by our witness. Like Paul, can we say – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Tim 4:7)
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Christ died for us, the least we can do is to live for Him.
Roy Samuel, Christos Mar Thoma Church, Mumbai
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church