Monday Challenge - Holding forth the Word of life

"Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain." Philippians 2

What does this mean, anyway? Matthew Henry states "We should desire to hold forth the word of life, and to shine, giving light to all around. Great encouragement is given to those who prove themselves faithful hearers of the word, by being doers of the word."

Who is the Word of life? It is Jesus. Am I holding forth Jesus Christ to the world, to my brothers and sisters in Christ? Is it Him they see, or is it me they see? It should be HIM.

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! 
 Hold o'er my being absolute sway. 
 Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see 
 Christ only, always, living in me! 
-Adelaide A. Pollard

How? To live my life in such a way that others see Christ. That means I can not exalt or please self, but to act and speak as the Lord would. What a challenge, and it is only by the power of the Spirit I can even hope to do such a thing. I need to remember that if I don't know what Christ would say in a certain situation to keep my mouth shut or pray for wisdom!

As the old saying goes, "Only one life twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last." That explains the last part of the verse. If we live our lives for ourselves, it will really be like running and laboring in vain. But what's done for Christ in truth and love will last and cause us to rejoice when we are at last Home with the Lord.