Live worthy

"Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that…I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and are in no way intimidated by your opponents…for he (God) has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well-" Philippians 1:27-29

     Live worthy of your highest ideals. But how? Theologian John Wesley (1703-1791) offers this timeless insight: "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can."

     I wish I could guarantee you health, wealth, prosperity and safety in your efforts to do good. Realistically, some of you will suffer. However, there is good news in suffering. You can be assured of God's strengthening power. Such suffering can actually refine and purify your faith in God, self, others and country. Throughout history, many have experienced suffering for such high ideals a great privilege and holy calling.

     Familiar with suffering based on personal experience, the apostle Paul writes: "…we can boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us (Romans 5:4-5)."

     You are engaged in gladiator combat for Zimbabwe's soul. Your faith in God brings hope for the oppressed, starving, tortured, unjustly jailed, raped, and those struggling with HIV/AIDS in your own country and others suffering similar woes around the world.

     Whenever possible, in a spirit of harmony and cooperation, stand in a unified offensive against evil. Avoid isolationism, for that only leads to discouragement and fear and negative thinking. There are times when we need trusted companions for courage and faithfulness. When one is discouraged and depressed, the other can help pick up the burden and encourage the faltering one. Please remember spiritual success is found not only in solitude, but also through meaningful community, religious or otherwise.

     The Philippians letter is an ageless reminder to behave publicly and privately as responsible citizens, bringing a bit of heaven on earth through the message of Christ. Yours is not an easy calling, but with God, all things are possible. Live worthy. Stand firm and united. Trust God throughout the suffering and expect divine strength for each day's struggle. You are a vital part of Zimbabwe's salvation.

     Prayer: God, inspire each reader to live worthy of the divine hope within them, with patient endurance and joyful hope, and greater resolve to live another day. Amen.

Written by Rev. Dr. Sandy Bochonok
http://soulfoodministry.org
October 21, 2002
Permission is given to freely distribute this reflection throughout Zimbabwe.