August 24

"Only let your conversation be as becometh the Gospel of Christ." — Phil. 1 27

PAUL, in the passage before us, expresses a wish that his labors might not be lost upon the Philippians. In this verse he desires several things on their behalf: —

CONSISTENCY. Many designations are given to the Gospel; it is called the wisdom of God in a mystery, the word of truth, the word of God's grace, the truth as it is in Jesus, and the ministration of the Spirit; here it is called the Gospel of Christ. It is so denominated because Christ is the author and substance of it, and because he confirmed it by his miracles, proclaims it by his ministers, and applies it by his Spirit. But our chief business will be to inquire what is involved in having our conversation as becometh the Gospel.

A humble spirit. Humility is an inverted paradoxical ladder, in which he who descends lowest ascends highest — the lowest step of Christian humility is the highest point of Christian eminence.

A cheerful temper. I have seen some, whose piety I would not for a moment doubt, though I question their prudence, who display such moroseness of temper, coldness of manners, and gloom of countenance, that to be in their company is like being suddenly transported to Greenland's icy mountains; they carry with them such a chilling influence, that, instead of recommending religion, they render it uninviting. It is a sentiment much to be admired, that a cheerful piety, like the refreshing rose, sheds a fragrance, peculiarly its own, over our whole conversation, and, like that lovely flower, leaves its reviving scent when we are gone.

A holy conversation. The language of Canaan is, to many professors, but a dead one; and they do not seem to desire that it should be a living one, with regard to them. Mr. Hervey resolved never to go into any company where he could not obtain access for his Master.

An exemplary conduct. The word "conversation," as here employed, as well as in some other passages, refers principally to the deportment of the life, and not to the language of the lip. Thus Paul speaks of his "conversation in the Jews' religion;" and Peter of "a conversation honest among the Gentiles," and "a good conversation in Christ." "To him that ordereth his conversation aright, will I show the salvation of God." — Psalms 50:23. It is walking, not talking, that makes the Christian. Talk not of a good life, said one of the heathen philosophers, let your life speak — this is the best eloquence, and calculated to produce the most powerful effects. Therefore, for your own sake, for the honor of religion, the glory of God, the prosperity of the church, and as an example to the world, "Let your conversation be as it becometh the Gospel of Christ."