Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

May 24– Evening

by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and edited by W. C. Neff

“Only let your daily living be worthy of the gospel of Christ.” 

—Philippians 1:27

The Greek word for “daily living” signifies the actions and the privileges of citizens as they live in a community. As citizens of the New Jerusalem, we are to live in a way that is fitting and worthy of the gospel of Christ. What is the nature of this daily gospel living?

The Gospel is first and foremost simple, and Christians should be simple in their habits. There should be a way about our speech, our dress, our whole behavior, that exudes a simplicity which is the very essence of beauty. The gospel is pre-eminently true; it is gold without dross. And, so too, the Christian’s life will lack luster and value without the jewel of truth. The gospel is fearless; it boldly proclaims the truth, whether men like it or not. We must be equally faithful and unflinching.

But the gospel is also very gentle. It was Jesus himself who said, “a bruised reed I will not break.” Some professing Christians have edges sharper than thorns; such men are not like Jesus. Let us seek to win others by the gentleness of our words and actions. The gospel is loving. It is the message of the God of love to a lost and fallen race. Christ’s last command to his disciples was, “Love one another.” O for more real, hearty love to all the saints. And, O, for more tender compassion towards the worst and vilest of men!

And we must never forget that the gospel of Christ is holy. It never excuses sin; it pardons it, but only through costly atonement. If our life is to resemble the gospel, we must put away from us not merely the worst of sins but everything that would hinder our perfect conformity to Christ. For his sake, for our own sakes, and for the sakes of others, we must strive day by day to let our daily living be more in accordance with the gospel of Christ. [M&E]