The apostle Paul exhorts us, as he did the Christians in Philippi, to be sure we live in harmony with the honor and attributes of the gospel of Christ (Phil. 1:27). Personal inventory of our faithfulness to Christ is always proper and needful (2 Cor. 13:5). As the “light of the world” and the “salt of the earth,” we are called upon to be exemplary in word and deed (Matt. 5:13-16; Eph. 4:1).

Do our words reflect reverence, wisdom and kindness (Eph. 4:29; 1 Pet. 3:10)? If others describe our speech as harsh, rude, abusive, profane, worldly and/or irreverent, we certainly have not set a godly example which reflects the honor of Christ and His gospel. Remember, brethren, our words will either justify us or condemn us on the last day (Matt. 12:37).

Does our clothing befit those who profess godliness (1 Tim. 2:9-10; 1 Pet. 3:3-4)? With summer weather upon us, we have again arrived at the time of year when less clothing is the norm, not the exception. But for the Christian, it must be different. Modesty knows no season; it is always in style to the Christian man or woman who intends to bring honor to the gospel by his or her choice of attire.

Does your recreational activities show your devotion to God (1 Tim. 4:7-8)? We look forward to summer vacations, sports and relaxation. But, let us not forget that Christians never take a vacation from serving God and worshipping Him (Matt. 6:33; Lk. 9:23; Jno. 4:24). If we do not remember God in our plans, how can we convince others (much less, ourselves) that Christ is the “first love” of our life (Rev. 2:4-5)?

Do we “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27)? We honor Christ when we are united by His gospel. In turn, He honors our unity in the faith as a proof of our salvation (Phil. 1:28). 

We Are Going Down…Now What?
Tanner Bass

As you are about to depart on your plane ride to your selected destination you have been dreaming about for months, you hear the unexciting flight attendants say something to this effect, “Ladies and gentlemen, in the event of a crash landing or freak incident, please make sure your seat belt is securely buckled, look up and obtain the oxygen mask above you, and then you may help others. Your safety is very important to us. Thank you!”

Because most of the time I tune this mundane speech out and begin listening to some classic rock, the few times I listen to the instruction in its entirety, I can clearly see some spiritual applications for us as Christians.

First, “in the event of a crash landing or freak incident,” suggests that occasionally and very seldom do incidents occur. Acknowledgement and preparation of the worst-case scenario will always benefit us. In this scenario, the crash or freak incident would represent judgment day. We must always be ready for judgment day, just as we are prepared for a plane crash, because we never know when it will occur (Matt. 24:36, 42-43; 1 Cor. 16:13; 1 Thess. 5:6). In being prepared for a crash, we must first acknowledge they do exist. Spiritually speaking, this is true too. In being prepared for judgment day, we must first acknowledge there will be a judgment day; it is not a fable.

Secondly, in the event of a crash landing, whom are we supposed to help first? The answer is, ourselves. With regards to judgment day, who should we be worried about first? The answer is, ourselves. In the event of a crash, it makes absolutely no sense to go help others, knowing you yourself are not safe and will not live. This lesson should also be applied spiritually. In preparation for the Day of the Lord, we need to be concerned about ourselves first. In no way is this being selfish. This is what we ought to do (Matt. 7:5).

After you yourself are safely secured and buckled, what do you do then? That is the time to help others and assist others. Once you are secure, safe, and fully prepared, you should help others get to that same place of comfort and state of mind. As Christians, we ought to help others as we can, in full acknowledgement that we must make sure in helping them, we are not being hypocritical. How unwise and irresponsible would it be to help others in a crash landing, when you yourself aren’t in a safe place?

With regards to our salvation, it is imperative that we first look inward to ourselves by comparing ourselves to the word of God (2 Cor. 13:5). Then we can look outward to aid others. Our salvation is the one thing in life we have the right to be selfish about.

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Note: Tanner Bass will be working with the church this summer to preach, teach classes, write articles and study with Joe. We are confident this preaching and training opportunity will benefit him as well as the church. We look forward to working together with him. –Joe