Reflecting the True Gospel of Christ

Philippians 3:18-19 (ESV) ¹⁸ For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. ¹⁹ Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

What does it mean to be an imitator of Christ?  Does it mean perfection or holiness or just doing the best you can?  These questions are not new to me.  From the moment I began to truly live for Christ I have begun to see those areas in my life that are far from imitating Christ.

In Philippians 3:18-19 Paul is encouraging the believers in Philippi to imitate Christ, not the world.  If we were to look deeply into the hearts of those who profess to be believers in Jesus Christ today we would inevitably find some who use the gospel to justify their own sin.  Most predominantly we see this in those who glory in the shame of homosexuality, premarital sex, and other behavior.  Paul encourages us to imitate Christ, not those who pervert the gospel for their own means.

But while it is easy to see the perversion of the gospel in the behavior of others it may be just as easy to see that same perversion in my own life.  Though I do not condone homosexuality do I condone another behavior which does not glorify God?  How do I fight against my propensity for sin?  What type of influence is the gospel revealed by my life having on those who witness my life?  Is what is revealed by my life the true gospel?

The daily devotional TableTalk speaks today on imitating Christ as an encouragement to other believers.

In addition to preaching the true gospel, we must live in a manner shaped by the gospel. As we live in holiness, imitating others who imitate Christ, those whom God is calling to Himself will see the genuineness of our gospel and follow the authentic Jesus (Matt. 5:15-16).

May our lives reflect the authentic Jesus.