July 26

Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending side by side for the faith of the gospel, — Phil 1:27 BSB

What is meant by "conversation"? The word refers to the entirety of your life before God and others. In the original language, it literally means "conduct yourselves as citizens." It encompasses all our spiritual fellowship and daily communion with God and man. It views us as citizens of a heavenly city, the new Jerusalem, and calls us to walk, speak, live, and act in a way that reflects our citizenship in a heavenly country. This is the meaning of "conversation" in our text, and by it, we are urged to walk with God in a manner worthy of the gospel. He has reconciled us to himself by the blood of his dear Son, and when we accept this reconciliation, we can walk with God in peace and equity, for the sin that caused the breach has been removed.

As Levi, who ministered at the altar and was near to God, walked with him in peace and equity, so should we: “My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear with which he feared me, and was afraid before my name. The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips—he walked with me in peace and equity, and turned many away from iniquity” (Malachi 2:5-6). This is walking in the light as God is in the light, and when we do so, our fellowship is with the Father (1 John 1:3-7).

Our conversation with God must be in line with the gospel of Christ. If we walk freely with God, in sweet liberty, with holy access to him, pouring out our hearts before him, enjoying his presence, and receiving glimpses of his goodness and mercy, then our conversation with God aligns with the gospel. The gospel is a message of mercy. When we embrace that mercy, feel its power, and allow it to dissolve our doubts and fears, we walk before God in the light of his countenance through the power of the gospel. God did not send the gospel to condemn us, for “there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” We walk after the Spirit when we have access to the Father through Christ.