Weekly Devotional 6-8-15 Proper Christian Conduct
Opinions concerning proper Christian conduct are certainly varied today. Some hold to a very liberal, relaxed view and others to a more conservative refined view. Still others, are somewhere in the middle. I am not sure which view (opinion) you may hold on this subject, but the Apostle Paul in his first letter to the Corinthian church wrote that a Christian is to do things “to the glory of God” (1st Corinthians 10:31). Earlier in that same chapter he wrote, “23All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. 24Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.” In context, Paul was dealing with offenses that were occurring between Christian Jews and Gentiles as they shared meals and fellowship with one another. The principle though, is applicable to all conduct between “born-again” Christians.
Glorifying God and building up others in everything we say or do should always be our purpose and pursuit of life. Glorifying God should be our guide of conduct. How, for instance, does a father’s insincere (liberal) relaxed spiritual lifestyle build up his family? His children will follow his example more than his words. If he conducts himself in a way that bends the rules, will not his children do the same? If he does not regard the Lord with reverential fear, will his unsaved children regard the Lord differently? Will an unsaved person be drawn to Christ by the conduct of his or her saved spouse, or will they find excuses with their spouse for not considering the Lord in a more positive way? Will a visitor who comes to church be offended by our conduct, dress, attitude, or will they be drawn to us because of a proper conduct? Does my conduct, dress or attitude, build up a fellow believer or do these things cause him injury?
If our conduct or attitudes are not different from the world’s attitudes or conduct, why should any spiritually minded person want to be drawn to us? If our message is different than that of the world, shouldn’t our conduct and attitudes be different?
Now someone might ask, “Isn’t this legalistic?” Well, the Lord said, “13You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16 NKJV).
Certainly we are called to be different than the world in our attitudes and conduct. We should be sensitive to the provoking of the Holy Spirit and not live by self-will or self-determination. The Holy Spirit, if listened to, will reveal the areas in our lives where we should make change.
Thank you, Father for your indwelling Spirit. Help each of us to slow down, listen to and be responsible to Him.
stevelampman@comcast.net stevelampman.com
Transforming Power; The work of God on Behalf of Man
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