Philippians 2:12a

"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence,"

I haven't always obeyed as those Christians of Philippi did (nor do I believe that Paul meant they were perfect and without sin), but I find it interesting that Paul makes a distinction about obedience from times of his presence to times of his absence. Why would he do that? Because there's a difference, and it's not insignificant.

My tendency is to overtly live a more Christlike life when others are present than when they're not, especially when those "others" are Christians. I think that's a bit of human nature and not necessarily a bad thing. The concept of accountability is certainly healthy. But if I live obediently because I desire the approval of man over God, then that's not so healthy; in fact, it's sin. Here in Philippians 2 Paul commends the Christians in Philippi because they not only lived obediently in his presence, but even more so in His absence. This is an evidence and a work of the Spirit in their lives. They understood the concept of coram Deo (before the presence or the face of God) and desired His glory over the approval of man. God's accountability over them was much more powerful than man's. Impressive! This is supernatural and divine.

Most of my day today will be spent in the presence of non-Christians. I have an opportunity, a privilege to obey in order to bring honor to God. My heart needs to drive my mind, and my mind needs to drive my actions. I pray that my obedience to Jesus would be compelled by love, and my love would compel me to obey. Another axiom of circular philosophy rooted in the truth of Scriptures that shields me from the enemy and exudes a powerful ambassadorship of the Kingdom.