IT MATTERS

“Let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ … that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” Php 1:27

I am thankful that we have the promise of God that He will save His elect in spite of our weaknesses and failures. However, we, as our Lord’s representatives here on this earth have the awesome privilege and responsibility to conduct ourselves in a manner that becomes the gospel of Christ. We can never alter God’s purpose, yet it is our desire to encourage each other in the faith and encourage those we come in contact with that don’t know Christ as yet to continue in the presence of the gospel, knowing that this is the means whereby God calls sinners to faith in Christ. There may be some that God sends to us that may have never heard the gospel or even faithfully attended any church at all and it is our hope that they will continue to come and hear and believe. We should never coddle, pamper, praise and overly lavish anyone with attention. However, we should always show everyone kindness, courtesy, show ourselves to be friendly and never do or say anything to discourage. May we never compromise the truth or depend on the flesh, but may we never forget that God uses means and it is our desire that He would be pleased to use us for His glory in the furtherance of His kingdom. There may be things that we must overlook and maybe even endure for the sake of the gospel. I know that many times God’s people have exercised much patience with me, and even now. Should I not do the same? I pray that I will never again be a stumblingblock or a discouragement to anyone by my own words, actions or attitude. If the gospel offends, so be it. Whatever men do or why they do it is between them and God. Whatever we do or say as professing believers may we do or say it for the glory of God and the gospel’s sake that His great name be not a reproach because of us.

- Tommy