Someone who is actively practising the faith may sometimes be referred to as an observant Christian, meaning that the person actively observes all that is required in the faith. This is seen to be a good thing but as with all good things, can become distorted if taken in the wrong way. We hear how the Pharisees watched Jesus closely when He went to the house of one of their leading members for dinner. This kind of observance, which stems from rigidity and the desire to find fault, could actually be the opposite of what a true observant Christian should be.

The more salutary sense of observance comes from St Paul, as he joyfully remembers the hospitality and faith of the Philippians, praying for them in their continued growth in faith and love. The main difference is what’s being observed. Contrary to the Pharisees who seek only to point out the mistakes in the Lord’s actions, St Paul focuses on the goodness of the people he met in Philippi, reflecting on how God is in them and hoping that this connection with God would continue. In our own lives as observant Christians, we seek this latter sense of observance, seeking out how God’s grace is active in our lives as we try to bring more people into the awareness of God’s goodness in their lives.