To Live is Christ — proving my faith

The way that I live is a reflection of what I believe. If someone told me that I have little intelligence and no creativity, my faith (or not) in their words would determine several goals and activities of life. Besides, just by looking at the way I live, others could tell the strength of my convictions.

Meanwhile, live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ. Let nothing in your conduct hang on whether I come or not. Your conduct must be the same whether I show up to see things for myself or hear of it from a distance. Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people’s trust in the Message, the good news, not flinching or dodging in the slightest before the opposition. Your courage and unity will show them what they’re up against: defeat for them, victory for you—and both because of God. (Philippians 1:27–28, The Message)

Unity with other Christians and fearlessly contending for the Gospel are mentioned here, but I can think of several other connections between what I believe and how I behave.

For instance, I believe that I have eternal life. How would that be reflected if I continually feared death? I believe that God works everything together for my good, that I might become more like Jesus. I believe that He uses affliction to build my spiritual life. How would those beliefs be reflected if I struggled with difficult circumstances and fought for comfort and an easy life without trials? What would annoyance at everything that didn’t go my way I say about my faith?

I believe God is good and loves me. How could anyone know that if I did not praise Him and enjoy what He does in my life? I believe that God is sovereign and nothing is impossible for Him. How could anyone know that if I tried to manipulate all matters of life or seldom prayed for God’s help?

James wrote that faith without works is dead. He didn’t mean that I earn my salvation by what I do. That is clearly opposite to what the Bible teaches. Instead, he was echoing the ideas that are on my heart. If I say that I believe in Jesus Christ, then my life ought to show it. James said things like, “If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?” (James 2:15–16).

James expects action from those who claim to know Jesus.  That means in all of life. When I wake up in the morning, my plans for the day ought to be a reflection of my faith. When I go to bed at night, I ought to be able to look back on the day and rejoice in God’s care. I also ought to be thankful that He gives me what I need to live as a credit to the truth He teaches me. If not, then I must question whether or not I genuinely believe Him.

One other thought from these verses: Paul told the church at Philippi to live for Christ whether he was there or not. I remember a quote that said, “Good manners are what you do when no one is looking.” It is the same for faith. I’m on a bit of a holiday, and as my daughter-in-law said, I get to make all the decisions. I could spend my time doing my own thing and no one would know — except Jesus. If I really believe in Him, then it should not matter who is looking. My faith is reflected in what I do — regardless of who sees or knows about it.