How should I respond?
Crisis has a way of making good people ask this question. Given the events of the last few months, I don’t have to tell you why we’ve had occasion to ponder our response.
So…what is the right thing to do? How should we respond? Is there a clear answer, or even tracks to guide us, so we respond the right way, at the right time?
One little verse in the Bible sheds light on this delicate subject. Seriously, one verse.
Want to know what it is?
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ”. Philippians 1:27a
Wait, whatever happens???
Yep. Whatever happens.
But what if there’s a worldwide pandemic?
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
What if money is tight, I can’t go back to work, and the people I live with are getting on my last nerve?
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
What if my family, friend, co-workers and neighbors have different opinions than I do?
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
What if I witness injustice?
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
What if there are riots, and looting, and chaos all over the news—or worse, my community?
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
What if someone I follow on social media posts something I don’t like?
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
In a world full of complex issues, the directive to “conduct yourself in a worthy manner” simplifies our response.
If we conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, we will:
- Love our neighbor
- Speak the truth in love
- Be completely humble
- Do unto others as we would have them do unto us
- Put on a heart of compassion and kindness
- Pray without ceasing
- Ask God for wisdom
- Love one another deeply, from the heart
- Not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good
- Stand firm in our faith
And this is just a sampling of how God’s Word tells us to act!
Think about it: if every person behaved this way, 95% of our problems would vanish overnight.
This fact in itself should be enough to motivate us to respond in a manner worthy of the gospel. But there’s more!
No one ever regrets conducting themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. They often, however, regret doing otherwise.
And therein lies the beauty in the simplicity of God’s directive. When we ask “what should I do?”, “how should I respond?” or “how should I handle this situation?” what we’re really asking is, “What is wise? What is right? What course of action will leave me with no regret?”
Who wants to look back on their life and think, “why did I do that?”
Of course, I can’t make you choose to live this way, and you can’t make me choose to live this way, either. But make no mistake, living this way is a choice. It’s a choice to refuse to lead with our emotion, and instead, choose to lead with our devotion—to God and to one other.
Just because the world goes crazy, I don’t have to go crazy, too.
[bctt tweet=”Just because the world goes crazy, I don’t have to go crazy, too.” username=””]Obviously, none of us will do this perfectly. Just yesterday I let stress get the upper hand and I responded more harshly than I could have, or should have.
But I didn’t ignore my behavior, or even try to justify it. I owned my behavior and apologized. And that, too, is the way imperfect people live in a manner worthy of Christ.
When we fail–and we will–let’s apologize and start again.
But fail or succeed, whatever happens, let’s conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of our Lord, Jesus Christ, who showed us how to live.
It’s the least we can do.
It’s the best we can do.
And it’s all we really need to know about what to do.
You are loved,
Donna
P.S. Could you use a little dose of spiritual refreshment? If so, registration is open for the online virtual conference, “A Little She Time”. I’ll be speaking along with nine other amazing speakers, authors and leaders. I’d love to have you join me!
To register click here.
PSS. Did you know I share short weekly wisdom videos on Instagram? Recently, we’ve been learning how to increase peace in our life–something we all need now, more than ever! Follow me on Instagram @donnaajones.
Well said, Donna! Thank you for the reminder!