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The word value is not one that is used in everyday conversation. (At least not in my everyday life.) However, it is a word that is portrayed in every action, word, and thought in every second of our lives. Value is something we put towards material things like the value of our car or house. But I want to look at a simpler, more fundamental use of the word that is used at the core of who we are.

And it comes from Phil. 1:27 (ESV):

“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel”

I want to focus on the first part of this verse mostly. This brings out a few questions that need to be asked. The first word says only. Which tells me there is nothing else but this. In the context of this verse Paul is in essence saying that nothing is matters. “ONLY let your manner of life” The only thing that is worthy of your life is the gospel of Christ.

The phrase that gets me in this verse is “manner of life.” Notice that Paul could have said; “only let the way you conduct yourself around other Christians be worthy.” Or “Only let the way you conduct yourself at church, with the family, at school, ect.” He said the thing that is hardest, “manner of life.” Paul is demanding every aspect of your life. Every second. Every breath. Every heartbeat. Every thought. He wants it all to be worthy of the gospel of Christ.

The last word that needs to be pulled out, which is the most important is “worthy.” This is the most important because the word worthy is associated with value. If you find something worthy, you find it valuable. I’ll go back to what I said earlier about how we use the word value with things like our car or house. Those things do hold some value but what is supremely valuable in your life? What I mean by supremely is what holds highest importance, such importance that nothing else even compares in your eye? Paul isn’t asking or giving a suggestion that Christ should be Supremely Valuable in your life. He is saying ONLY.

Paul isn’t saying Christ should be number 1 because that implies that there are other numbers behind to compare in value. He is saying the only thing that should have value in the way you live life is Christ.

So I want to end by reflecting on these questions.

1.  Is the ONLY thing worthy of your every aspect of your life?
2.  Does your MANNER OF LIFE show that the gospel of Christ is supremely valuable?
3.  Is the gospel of Christ SUPREMELY VALUABLE in your life?

Get alone with the Lord and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal these answers and ask Him to change your heart of what needs to be changed.

COMPOSED BY: JORDAN THOMPSON