We bring this up because we have heard recently of several folks within churches who are certainly not behaving as if they belong to Christ. We have heard of a church were gossiping is a major problem, dividing the church. We know of another where people are bending sins listed in Scripture to suit their choices. We know of people in churches who are holding grudges against another, not forgiving those they feel have wronged them. And I know of a woman who called someone in church a foul name when another woman disagreed with her. In the church!
Christ gave us so many examples of how to live. He was gentle, compassionate, trustworthy, humble, wise and bold. Colossians chapter 3 has one of my favorite passages of Scripture that I have heard read at a number of weddings. It says, "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
We are called Christians because it means "little Christs." If we are not behaving as such, we sure aren't giving the moniker "Christian" a very good name. People are watching our behavior to see if we will conduct ourselves as we are supposed to.
This means no cussing, no lying, no stealing, no lewdness. And like we said, not just in church. This means your behavior is as such on the job, at home between the two of you, in school, on the road driving, in sports and any other situation. If you want to have any integrity whatsoever, you need to be who you say you are all the time.
Now that's not to say you won't fail once and awhile, but for Heaven's sake, do not make it a habit. If you call yourself "Christian," act like it.
Discussion: What situations do you find yourself most failing in the Christian behavior department? What are ways you can prevent yourself from falling into those patterns?
Prayer: Lord, forgive us for when our actions do not reflect who You are. Lord, let us write Your Word on our hearts, keep ever before us reminders of Who we belong to and let our behavior show it. In Your Holy Precious Son's name, Amen.
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