Everyone is responsible for something or someone. As a Christian, I have a responsibility from God to spread the Word of life. In Philippians 2:15, Paul teaches us that we are to be blameless, harmless, and without rebuke in the world in which we live. That is a tall order for us. We have a sinful nature, and even after we are saved, we sin. However, once we are saved, we have the Holy Spirit living within us to help us live the way that God intended for His people to live. Our lives are to be lived so that no one can point a finger at us and accuse us of doing wrong. We have a responsibility to a lost world to be an example to them of the saving power of Jesus.
Philippians 2:15 “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.
We are to be a light in this world. Shining bright while pointing to the cross. When the sun shines on something, it reveals its brilliance, but it also reveals its flaws. Living sloppy Christian lives is a reproach to the gospel. I believe this is one reason so many churches are full of people who think they are ok with God, but they are not. Christians, born-again believers, have become negligent in their walk with Christ. Instead of seeing their sin and turning from it, they make excuses. A common one I hear is, “Nobody is perfect.” While that is true, it should never be used as an excuse to sin.
Matthew 5:14-16 “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
In I Peter 1:14-16, we are instructed to be obedient children, not to act the way we did before salvation. In verses 15 and 16, we are to be holy in all our conduct. Why? Because God is holy. We are to mimic the one who made us in His image.
I Peter 1:14-16 “As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
We, those who profess Jesus as God in the flesh, Savior of the world, and Redeemer of our souls, are to “hold forth the word of life.” We are obligated to share the gospel. We must take every opportunity to make Christ known all over the world. First, we must show His presence in our lives to those who live and work around us each day. Second, we must be actively involved in sending the gospel to those who have never heard it. We may not be able to go around the world, but we can do our part financially and by praying for others to go. Third, we must defend the truth of the gospel when some want to water it down or change it. We must be a defender of our faith. The best defense of our faith will be shown in our words and our actions. James teaches us that faith without “works” is dead faith. You can’t say you have faith in God, but pick and choose how you will uphold it.
When we hold forth the word of life, lifting it to the highest peak of our living, keeping the flame burning brightly, we will rejoice greatly when we see Jesus! We will leave this world feeling confident in our eternity in Heaven. Our labor will not be in vain when we see Him.
Philippians 2:16 “Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.”
Our responsibility as a Christian, is to live our lives portraying Jesus to a lost and dying world, so they too may know Him. It will do each of us well to examine ourselves to find the areas we need to improve to make this happen. This my friend will bring great rejoicing now and forevermore!
