CHRISTIANS CONDUCT
INTRODUCTION:
As every society has its own set of covering rules and regulations, so it in the kingdom of God. The Bible, the kingdom’s constitution and manual, gives a code of conduct which a Christian is to wholly identify with. In this study, we shall examine and discuss Bible accepted ways of behaving concerning the following.
MALICE: Malice can be defined as having a desire to harm others, or ill will. To this effect, malice is an aberration to any child of God, therefore, put it away Eph.4:31-32, lay it aside, I Pet.2:1, put if off Col.3:8. Restore relationship immediately with any one whom you have been keeping malice.
STRIFE: This involves contending or struggling with people of opposing views. At times hot and abusive words are exchanged. However we should not allow issues to degenerate into this state or be influenced by the spirit of strife II Tim.2:24; Phil.2:3. Strife leads to uncontrollable situation Prov.17:14; Prov.26:17. It is a honour for a man to desist from strife Prov.20:3; Titus 3:9.
The example of Jesus Christ should be followed, who did nothing through strife of vain glory and at the end of His ministry here on earth, God highly exalted Him and gave Him a name which is above every other name Phil.2:5-11. If the spirit of strife is still operating in you, then you are still carnal. I Cor.3:3; I Cor.6:6. Therefore rebuke it and cast it out of your life.
ENVY/JEALOUSY: It is defined as the grief or annoyance felt at the happiness or fortune of another. Some Biblical examples include: Cain (Gen.4:3-9); Saul (I Sam.18:7-9); the Pharisees (Matt.13:55-57); the High priest (Acts 5:12-18). The sin of envy is no respecter of person. It often arises from the fact that what we desire most is possessed by someone else (II Cor.10:12). It could be position, Money, Physical or Spiritual gifts, Recognition, Relationship etc. It creeps in when we turn our eyes on others. If allowed to grow it can breed hatred and evil action/ words.
To be free from this vice, turn your eyes always on God for help. Heb.12:1, Ps.121:1. John the Baptist handled jealousy rightly Jn.3:25-27.
ANGER: Anger is a destructive spirit. The Bible regards a person who is easily angry as foolish Ecc.7:9. Words spoken and actions taken in anger, even with seemingly genuine reasons for anger are often done without depth of though and could derail God’s plan for man and God’s righteousness are not compatible. (Jas.1:20 and Prov.19:19). Do not accept anger or bad temper as your nature. (II Pet.1:4). A controllable spirit is a mark of wisdom. (Prov.16:32; Prov.19:11). Jesus has every reason to be angry but Hr did not (Matt.11:19, Mk.3:21, Jn.7:20, Jn.18:30, Matt.26:67).
UNFORGIVENESS: (Matt.18:23-35) The Bible regards a person with an unforgiving spirit as wicked (Matt.18:32 and Isa.3:11). Unforgiveness has many side effects: bitterness and revenge (II Sam.13:20-28); hindrance to prayers (Mk.11:25-26); Exposure to the devil, the tormentor (Matt.18:34) who could bring affliction or opens one up to other sins. It could make you indifferent or happy at the sufferings others (II Sam.16:5-8). You must also forgive yourself after repentance as you cannot be more grieved than God over your sins. Take time now to identify those you have hurt that you have nit forgiven or vice versa (Col.3:13, Eph.4:32). Do not allow another person’s sinful nature to hinder you from making heaven.
N.B: The weak never forgives because it is a characteristic of the strong. Unforgiveness is naturally followed by revenge.
GOSSIP: This is idle-talk or rumors about others. Num.12:1. Only very few Christians own up to this little fox that destroys God’s vineyard. The consequences include betrayal of confidence (Prov.11:13), character assassination (Prov.18:8), separation of friends (Prov.16:280, revealing problems they should discuss with God alone to fellowship (I Tim.5:13). Ensure you spread only good news and not the weakness of others
STEALING: Is taking possession of what does not belong to you, example of those who stole in the Bible are Rachael (Gen.31:19, Judas, Jn12:4-6), Onesimus (Philemon). One can steal from God (Mal.3:8), parents (Prov.28:24) employees’ wages (Lev.19:13, Jas.5:4), employer’s time and property, others. A thief is under a curse (Zech.5:1, 4), bound to be destroyed (Prov.21:17 shares a common name with Devil (Jn.10:10a). If you are involved in stealing under whatever name, repent today (Eph.4:28) as Onesimus did because no thief will make heaven. I Cor.6:10
CRUELTY: This is a state of showing indifference to another’s suffering or causing a person to suffer. Some believers still manifest the spirit of cruelty and wickedness at home or at work and this should not be .cruelty bounces back (Prov.11:17). Let not mercy depart from you Prov.3:3; Micah 6:8; Matt.5:7; Lk.6:36.
PRIDE: This occurs when you hold opinion of yourself or achievements. It is also the action (in thoughts, words or deeds) you exhibit because of the relative advantage you have over others (Jer.9:23-24). Some causes of pride: Status (Family, position within and outside the family), knowledge, physical endowments (appearance, talents) spiritual gifts, etc.
Some Biblical example includes: Satan (Isa.14:12-16) Goliath (I Sam.17:42-44, 49-50), Nebuchadnezzar (Dan 4:30-33). Herod (Acts 12:21-23). Ahitthophel (II Sam.16:23 and II Sam.17:23). Pride comes with undesirable consequences: destruction (Prov.16:18), an ingredient in every quarrel, Pro.13:10, Self-dependence (Ps.10:4) far from God (Ps.138:6), abomination to God (Prov.16:6-7), frustration in life (Jas.4:6) rejection of God’s word Jer.43:2. If you want to be free from pride you must address your heart and identify with the mind of Christ (Phil.2:5-8). You must recognize a Humble Spirit (Matt.3:11; Phil.3:4-10; Acts 3:12). Prefer others in love (Phil.2:3).
WORRY: This is a state when someone has no peace of mind concerning the past or present of future issues of life. It is the Devils’ tool for tormenting an individual and it is the one’s eyes are not focused on God and His power. Give example of those who worried in the Bible.
Worry come with spiritual and emotional consequences: sin against God and hence His wrath (Gen.19:32-36, 32:2-50, loss of faith in God’s power (II Chr.16:12), Health is impaired (Prov.17:22), loss of God-given peace of mind (II Tim.1:7, Jn.14:27), opens the door for demons to come in (Ecc.10:8b)
PANACEA: Identify how you allowed the spirit of worry to gain access into you. Admit your worrying as disobedience to God’s law (Ps.55:22, Phil.4:6-8). Ponder on God’s almightiness and take stock of past blessings with a grateful heart. Ps.103. Search for God’s will concerning the problems and remind God of his unfailing promises. Ask God for serenity to accept what cannot be changed (Rom.8:28, II Cor.12:9), courage to change what should be changed (I Sam.4:5-11) and wisdom to distinguished one from another (Jam.1:5). Worry is said to be like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do but it does not get you anywhere.
CONCLUSION
Any believer that still harbours one or more of the above ugly dispositional flaws shall be unfruitful and shall never be a vessel meant for the Lord’s use. Such unsaintly saints only succeed in keeping unbelievers away from the gospel than otherwise.
MEMORY VERSE: I COR.14:40
Let all things be done decently and in order.
