Morning and Evening

May 24, Evening

C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling

"Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ." — Philippians 1:27 · KJV

The word translated "conversation" does not simply mean our talk with one another; it means the whole course of our life and behavior in the world. The Greek word refers to the actions and privileges of citizenship, so we are commanded to make our conduct, as citizens of the New Jerusalem, worthy of the gospel of Christ. What kind of conduct is that? First, the gospel is very simple, so Christians should be simple and plain in their habits. There should be in our manner, our speech, our dress, our whole behavior that simplicity which is the very soul of beauty. The gospel is supremely true; it is gold without any impurity, and a Christian's life will be dull and worthless without the jewel of truth. The gospel is also fearless, boldly proclaiming the truth whether people like it or not, and we must be just as faithful and unflinching. Yet the gospel is very gentle too. Notice that spirit in its Founder: "a bruised reed He will not break." Some professing Christians are sharper than a thorn hedge; such people are not like Jesus. Let us seek to win others by the gentleness of our words and actions. The gospel is very loving. It is the message of the God of love to a lost and fallen race. Christ's last command to His disciples was, "Love one another." Oh, for more real, hearty union and love toward all the saints, and for more tender compassion for the souls of the very worst of men! And we must not forget that the gospel of Christ is holy. It never excuses sin; it pardons sin, but only through an atonement. If our life is to resemble the gospel, we must avoid not merely the grosser vices but everything that would hinder our full conformity to Christ. For His sake, for our own sake, and for the sake of others, we must strive day by day to bring our whole way of life more into line with His gospel.

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