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Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Philippians 4:5
At first glance, it’s surprising to see Paul telling believers in Philippi to let everyone see that they’re considerate in all they do. Aren’t Christians supposed to avoid calling attention to themselves? Elsewhere, scripture says to not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing (Matthew 6:3). A few verses later, Jesus tells His disciples to pray in private (v. 6).
But a closer look at all these verses reveals no contradiction with today’s verse. In verse 3, Jesus was talking to His disciples about giving in secret to avoid drawing attention to themselves for the sake of self-glorification. And in verse 6, He was talking about not praying for show. Paul, on the other hand, wants believers to live out loud for God’s sake, not their own, because Jesus is coming back soon. Having that sense of urgency reorients the way a person lives and keeps him from becoming self-centered.
If you knew Jesus was coming back today, how would it change the way you lived your faith? You’d probably have a short account with God, making sure that each action you took glorified Him. You’d empty yourself of selfish ambitions and seek the good of those around you.
Wouldn’t that be a refreshing way to live? Prayerfully commit yourself to such a vision.
At first glance, it’s surprising to see Paul telling believers in Philippi to let everyone see that they’re considerate in all they do. Aren’t Christians supposed to avoid calling attention to themselves? Elsewhere, scripture says to not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing (Matthew 6:3). A few verses later, Jesus tells His disciples to pray in private (v. 6).
But a closer look at all these verses reveals no contradiction with today’s verse. In verse 3, Jesus was talking to His disciples about giving in secret to avoid drawing attention to themselves for the sake of self-glorification. And in verse 6, He was talking about not praying for show. Paul, on the other hand, wants believers to live out loud for God’s sake, not their own, because Jesus is coming back soon. Having that sense of urgency reorients the way a person lives and keeps him from becoming self-centered.
If you knew Jesus was coming back today, how would it change the way you lived your faith? You’d probably have a short account with God, making sure that each action you took glorified Him. You’d empty yourself of selfish ambitions and seek the good of those around you.
Wouldn’t that be a refreshing way to live? Prayerfully commit yourself to such a vision.
