When others look at our lives, what do they see? When they listen to us speak, what do they hear? When they watch our attitudes and actions, what do they observe? Some people claim that they do not care what others think, however, it must be different for the Christian. The very word “Christian” means “little Christs”. In other words, we live in the manner and attitude of Jesus Christ when He walked on the Earth. This is challenging isn't it? Nonetheless, this is the very encouragement that Paul gives to the recipient of our current book study, Philemon. Paul has proclaimed his thankfulness and prayer for Philemon, and as we have read we have discovered that it was in part for Philemon's love toward God and people. In today's verse we begin to understand the reason that Paul has prayed for Philemon. He wrote in verse six:
That the communication of your faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
Basically, this verse proclaims that others are watching Philemon. The idea behind “the communication of your faith” is that the fellowship, communion, interactiveness, and joint participation of Philemon's faith among others would be known. The faith and beliefs of Philemon are discovered by others as he lives his life before them. Paul prayed for Philemon so that the way Philemon lived would be an “effectual” or effective witness of Jesus Christ before others. This is a tremendous prayer and one that we should all covet from fellow-believers as well. We who are Christians desire that our lives become effective in the kingdom of God. Far too many people who claim to be Christians live as though they are not, and this manner of living does more to push others away from the gospel rather than draw them to it.
Paul knew that Philemon's effective walk of faith not only would be seen by others, but also needed prayer to continue to be that way. Yet, how would people see the difference in Philemon's life? Was there some way in particular that he was supposed to live? Paul answers those questions in the latter part of this verse - “by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” This is how they will see and know the difference – they will see Philemon's ways. They will watch his attitudes, and they will observe his reaction to different circumstances and situations of life. They will marvel at the difference between the way Philemon responds and the way the world responds. Because Philemon is “in Christ Jesus” and Jesus Christ is within Philemon, his way will be different than the world's. This manner of living becomes our challenge today as we meditate upon these words.
Do others watch our lives? Do they see us respond to circumstances and situations in life just as the world does? Do they see us with good attitudes no matter what comes along or do they observe no different attitude than any other person who walks the streets? If people in the world were to come to Jesus Christ on the basis of the way we live our lives, would they come? Does our speech, our language, our reactions, our emotions, or any other part of us show a relationship with Jesus Christ, or would others doubt that we have a relationship with God at all? Perhaps an old thought provoking question would be appropriate to end our study for today.
If we were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict us?
And now, a prayer for all of us: Heavenly Father, we desire to live our lives in a manner that is pleasing to you, and today we ask that you will make our lives effective for the gospel of Jesus Christ. May others see a difference in the way we respond in both our attitudes and actions as live our lives before them, and may all people with whom we come into contact see Jesus Christ living within us. In Jesus name we pray, amen.
Next time we will see Paul rejoicing over the reports about Philemon, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow...there is more...
Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
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