March 19, 2023
“Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.” Romans 12:2
Somewhere I read that “All Behavior Has Meaning.” Our behavior is a powerful testimony to who we are and what we think because our actions speak louder than words. What we do and say paints a clear picture of the condition of our hearts. I believe that “who you are and everything you do flows from the condition of your heart.”
Does your behavior line up with the Word of God? The Heartbeat of “Christian” Behavior is the actions of those who have accepted, Jesus Christ as their Savior, by faith, and thus are indwelt with His Holy Spirit making it possible for them to serve God. The Apostle Paul penned in Romans 8:8-9, that whoever doesn’t have the Spirit of Christ doesn’t belong to God. That is why those who are under the control of the corrupt nature can’t please God. But if God’s Spirit lives in you, you are under the control of your spiritual nature, not your corrupt nature. Holy thinking and corrupt behavior cannot coexist. Anyone who can willfully practice sin and feel good about it cannot be indwelt with God’s Holy Spirit.
The heartbeat of Christian behavior is living a godly life. As Believers in Christ, we are to make every effort to live according to the standards of God’s Word! Why is this so important?
First, of all, if we are Believers in Christ, we are truly a new creation in HIM. This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun as noted in 2 Corinthians 5:17. This verse reminds me of the radical change demonstrated in the Apostle Paul’s life when he became a Christian. He was no longer a slave to sin. His life was truly transformed. He switched from being a persecutor of Christ to a proclaimer of Christ. The new life in Christ is a life of devotion to Christ which means that we have a new attitude and new behavior. The Holy Spirit helps us to do what is right.
Second, a changed life is a life of godly living. It is a life of love! There is a popular saying, “You May Be The Only Bible Some People Read.” It is true, your life must be an example to unbelieving family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers that we as Christians are different. People are attracted to others who are consistently kind, gracious, and loving. When they ask what makes you different you have a wonderful opportunity to tell them about God’s love.
Third, living a godly life is a confirmation that you are, in fact, living for God and not yourself. It is a barometer of your relationship with God. Your desire is not to hurt the heart of God! You find no pleasure in speaking unfavorably about others and building yourself up and feeling justified in doing so. The godly life is a life of love and respect, and you look for the good in others and have the heart to show love and inspire others to know the love of Jesus. True Believers in Christ find no pleasure in listening to anyone denigrating and vilifying others, especially their brothers and sisters in Christ. True Christian behavior is a demonstration of love for God and others (Mark 12:30-31).
Fourth, Christian behavior means that you are emulating Christ, who is our ultimate example of how to live. The mouth speaks the thoughts of the heart. It is a lie to say you follow Christ if you are disregarding His Word and ignoring Him. We as Believers in Christ are “God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works” (Ephesians 2:10). And these last four words “to do good works” epitomize the behavior that glorifies God and makes Christ real to others. Christians are called to live lives that are “holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1), and exemplary Christian behavior that allows us to fully commit ourselves to serve the Lord is made possible as we are empowered by the Holy Spirit who enables us to do the Father’s will (Romans 8:9).
Will there be hurdles and obstacles alone on this Christian journey? ABSOLUTELY! Will there be mistakes, failures, and regrets? ABSOLUTELY! Will there be times of bad judgment and yes sin? ABSOLUTELY! Whatever we encounter in our daily lives that can attack our minds and hinder our spiritual progress, we still have a choice! However, as Believers in Christ/Christians, we have the Spirit of Christ, who will not allow us to be comfortable when we mess up. He is always there to pick us up as we learn the lessons and grow to maturity in HIM! “The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to HIM. 2 Chronicles 16:9a (NLT)
Just a Few Reminders for Demonstrating “Christian” Behavior!
- Love God and love others (Mark 12:30-31).
- Be truthful (Proverbs 12:22, Colossians 3:9-10).
- Treat others the way you want to be treated (Matthew 7:12).
- Honor your parents (Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:1-3).
- Do not steal, lie, or cheat (Exodus 20:15-16, Proverbs 11:1).
- Be patient, kind, and forgiving (Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:12-13).
- Avoid sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18-20).
- Be content with what you have (Hebrews 13:5, Philippians 4:11-13).
- Be humble (Philippians 2:3-4).
- Do not judge others (Matthew 7:1-5).
A SERVING 
HEART: As Christians we are a chosen people, belonging to God so that we may declare His praises (1 Peter 2:9). To “declare His praises,” then, it is essential that we spend time in His Word not just so we can learn how to behave in the Christian fashion, but also so we can battle against the schemes of Satan. As the Apostle, Paul pointed out, without this biblical knowledge we are not only subject to buying into every new teaching that comes along, but we can also fall prey to “the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming” (Ephesians 4:14).
Remember knowledge alone is not enough; we are called to do more than to know and believe. Christians are to be “doers of the Word” (James 1:22). As the apostle James informs us, we are deceiving ourselves if we think we are spiritual by only hearing the Word. Hearing is not the same as doing. “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17,26). Faith must be demonstrated by actions.
“Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you.” James 4:11 (NLT)
FATHER GOD: Thank You for Your Word that teaches us how to live and glorify You! Help us to demonstrate Christian behavior by being obedient to Your Word, in the Precious, Powerful, and Preeminent Name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen!
