Conversation with God

The King James translation uses "conversation" to translate the word anastrophe.

"Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ..." (Php. 1: 27).

The word means "way of life, conduct or behavior."  The NIV gives us a dynamic equivalent translation, "conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ."

Even though I love how the modern translations help us get to the core of what Paul is saying, there is something I still love about the word "conversation" used to describe our walk with God.

It implies that we are not doing it on our own.  A walk with God implies a conversation with Him.

The classic song lyrics go, "No man is an island.  No man stands alone."  Yet, so much of American Christianity emphasizes individual effort and commitment that we can easily forget that no one is called to walk in solitude.  We are called to a conversation--with God and in community.

Conversation also implies that it is two-way communication.  It is not just me doing the talking, nor is it just God.  We have great examples throughout the scriptures of two-way communication.  Abraham bargaining with the Lord about the fate of Sodom (like a Persian rug salesmen, "I'll give you 20").  Moses pleading with God not to destroy Israel.  Job demanding that God defend Himself.  Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane pleading for another way, yet accepting His Father's will.

Are you engaged in an ongoing conversation with God, in community with others who are also? It implies not only that you are pouring out your heart to Him, but He is answering.  Why not take time to listen?