27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
One of the things we value as Americans is citizenship. People flock from all over the world trying to become citizens of the United States. That is because there is privilege and prestige connected with citizenship. This verse says we are to conduct ourselves in a certain manner. We are citizens of heaven, of God’s Kingdom, and we should act like it. Our lives should reflect His presence in our daily activities. We should be different than non-believers. We should not “fit in” with the values, actions and character of those who are not believers. That does not mean that there are not some ‘moral people’ in the world. But morality is not enough. Our lives should reflect the character of God. When people see us, they should see that we are different, that we are shining forth the Love of God. Our lives become the message they read. What does your message contain that is not part of His message? Does your impatience and judgmental attitude reflect well on God’s patience and longsuffering? This is an area that is a struggle for me. I freely admit it. I need to yield and allow the Lord to transform me. I do look down on the driving ability of others. And there are other areas that are objects of my superior attitude. So, what am I to do with this struggle? I must yield. I must submit to His call to recognize my heavenly citizenship and begin to live it out in my daily activities. How are you doing in demonstrating that you are a citizen of heaven? How does being a citizen of heaven show to those around you?
The Arnold Journey 