Throughout the New Testament, we are exhorted to live a life worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ. To be certain, this is the goal of every believer. When we meet our Master, we want to hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23). Like Paul, we want to say, “We have fought the good fight and finished the race” (2 Timothy 4:7).
But for many of us, it’s an elusive goal. We know we want it but aren’t too sure how to get there. What does it mean to live a life worthy of the gospel? Fortunately, God’s Word is very clear on what this looks like. It gives us a blueprint for how to conduct ourselves in the here and now, so we need not be ashamed when we meet Christ.
In Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus, after exhorting them to walk worthy of the gospel they had received, he goes into some detail about what that should look like. He says to live with humility, gentleness, patience, accepting one another in love, and keeping the unity of the Holy Spirit that binds us together (Ephesians 4:1-3). A life worthy of the gospel, then, will be marked by humility, gentleness, and patience. It is not arrogant or boastful. It is not self-serving. When we are exemplifying Christ, we will not stir up trouble or cause strife (Matthew 5:9; Titus 3:9-11), but live in unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Paul continued this teaching in his letter to the Colossians when he wrote they should always bear fruit and be growing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:10). He said we should do these things as they will strengthen us in endurance, patience, and joy (Colossians 1:11). Paul expanded on what he meant by being fruitful in his letter to the churches in Galatia. He wrote, “… the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22). A life worthy of the gospel will manifest all these things. If you lack any of them, ask the Lord who gives freely to all.
Peter put a bow on all this when he wrote, “It is clear what sort of people you should be in holy conduct and godliness as you wait for and earnestly desire the coming of the day of God” (2 Peter 3:11). He concluded by saying, “make every effort to be found at peace with Him without spot or blemish” (2 Peter 3:14). In other words, live peaceful and blameless lives. Don’t give anyone a cause to impugn your conduct. Live with the integrity of Christ’s teaching in every aspect of your life.
To live a life worthy of the gospel is not about keeping a certain set of rules. It’s about letting the Holy Spirit manifest the presence of Christ in everything you think, say, and do. Be joyful in all circumstances because you have the love of God burning within you. Live with humility, always seeking to serve others rather than yourself. Let kindness and compassion be the hallmarks of your life. Live in peace with all men and in unity with your brothers and sisters in Christ. Here are the Cliff’s Notes: if you want to live a life worthy of the gospel, live like Jesus. Let Him be the center and driving force of your life.