To Live is Christ, making friends — and making enemies

For the past few days I’ve been thinking about the life that enhances or honors the Gospel. As I read the previous days verses in their larger context, the thought came to mind that being a Christian is not about being a “nice little Jesus person” who never offends anyone. Living like Jesus can go to the other extreme as far as the impression I make on others.

Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me. (Philippians 1:27–30)

To live is Christ will sometimes get me in hot water. It did Him. I’ve nor reason to expect or even hope for anything different. Jesus told people the truth. He did it because He loved them, even died for them because He loved them. I’m to have that same attitude of mind and same willingness to do as He did.

Being what God wants is not about who wins, or who gets the last word, or even being sweet as candy to everyone. It goes much deeper than popularity. Christians will make enemies. Paul even said that those who live godly lives will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12).

Jesus did. This man who is God was bringing the world eternal life — no small matter — but they didn’t like what He said about their sin. They didn’t agree or want to admit that personal sin was the only barricade preventing them from having this life. They thought their heritage, their “goodness” and their history made them favorites of God. He told them otherwise, and for that reason they wanted to kill Him.

To live is Christ will mean creating enemies. Yes, I could make a good impression as a nice little Jesus person, but when God gives me any opportunities to speak the truth, speaking it with great love and in an attitude of sacrifice will not stop the truth from offending people.

Today I am with family who don’t know Jesus. One thinks she does; the rest are in darkness. Will God ask me to say anything? Will my conduct, including my speech, be worthy of the gospel of Christ? I pray it will be, regardless of the reception and regardless of any negative response.