“Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.” (Philippians 1:19-20)

As a kid, I always wanted to be in Atlanta in the summer and be at every Braves’ baseball game. I loved it – had a passion for it (some might say I still do). Since I couldn’t be there is person, I figured I would participate with them as best as I could. To me, that meant grabbing my baseball bat, standing in the living room, and copying the batting stance and swing of whomever was up to bat. My personal favorite was copying Chipper Jones’ swing. That’s how I learned to be a switch hitter. I wasn’t there and I didn’t know anyone personally, but I felt that I was participating with them by standing there and swinging like they did.

That is just the fantasy of a baseball fan – a kid who loved the game. Paul, in the first chapter of his letter to the church in Philippi, showed them through his example what it meant to participate in the life of Christ. Living out the calling of Jesus on your life, despite the difficulties and suffering you will encounter is the best way to participate and connect with Christ. Some may do it for selfish ambition, but if you do it to participate with Christ, there will be a mighty reward waiting for you at your promotion.

The reward? Jesus Himself. We see only partially now, but one day it will be complete and clear, and incredible! Honor Christ with your life, which right now includes a self-quarantine lifestyle and social distancing. But Christ can still be preached, so make sure you are living His life out loud.

Please comment and let me know how you are living your faith out loud during this time of social distancing!