Tag Archives: discipleship

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. (Philippians 1:27, NIV)

Paul was in prison when he wrote these words to the Christians in Philippi (modern-day Greece), so he knew a thing or two about the challenges of living-up to standards when times are tough.

His message to the Philippians was simple: Live up to God’s holy standard without regard to circumstances.

Is our discipleship conditional? Will we be obedient to the will of God in times when it is inconvenient to do so? Will our love for others sour when we are not treated in kind?

When external circumstances have little or no bearing on our resolve to conduct ourselves “in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ,” we will experience — as Paul experienced — the joy of seeing God make possible the impossible.  – Luther

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“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:1-2, NIV)

Live up to your calling.

This is the message from Paul — writing from prison in Rome — to the Christians in Ephesus (a city in modern-day Turkey).

Our calling is the highest of all callings, yet we are instructed to be humble. This calling often leads us into the coarsest of situations, yet we are expected to be gentle at all times. Our calling gives us access to the wisdom of the ages, and the knowledge of the Almighty; yet we are also called to exhibit patience, forbearance, and love.

Are you living up to your calling as a disciple of Jesus? – Luther

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“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10, NIV)

You’ve heard the expression: “Your work is cut-out for you.”

It is a good thing to have one’s work clearly defined and waiting to be accomplished. As disciples of Jesus — “God’s handiwork” — our work is cut-out, and waiting, for us from all of the other missions and tasks in the world that wait to be taken-up.

When we were made new in Christ we became an instrument for good works. Don’t allow yourself to become a tool for anything less.

How do we know whether the task before us is of God? Make it your ambition to walk with God in, and through, every circumstance.  “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:6)  – Luther

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