Our Dearest Earnest Conversation

SCRIPTURE: "Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,” Philippians 1:27

To be honest, both our walk and talk, our 'conversation', represent just what we treasure in our hearts, the thing we express when we feel unobserved... although, we are always observed. It's the thing we show when we are relaxed, and the mask is off. It is our naked, raw goodness, once we lose our paint job. Our 'conversation' offers its proofs through how we spend our time and with what or whom, where we spend our monies and on what, and how we share our talent within the world.

Jesus' insistence is that we impact the world, or at least 'our world', that our lifestyle declares the new creation that the touch of the gospel has brought. "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?... You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden...Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:13-16
The call is both personal as well as corporate. It is meant for me, and for you, and for us all...that are of His 'body'. We are called to work it out together, united for the cause, by faith. "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same, one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." 1 Peter 4:10

We are called to "stand fast" as one, and to be "striving" together. Unity matters. The Spirit of Christ, draws us to be together in fellowship, to be fruitful through it, and to declare His righteousness, and His love. What should be 'dearest' is our willingness to please Him, having the capacity to do so. What should be 'earnest' is the risk we take to heartily please Him, from an authentic place, and despite the contrariness of our near worlds, seen and unseen, chosen and unchosen.  'Beloved'. Bless God. Share the Word, and walk the talk...all to the glory of God!

PRAYER: Lord, as You offer us 'one to another' moments, guide us within it to bare our better selves to the winning of souls, and the encouragement of each other. Through it all, I pray that You might be pleased. Hallelujah and Amen!
By Dea. McNeal Brockington