Monday, 13th February 2023
Alex Buabeng-Korsah
TOPIC: BEHAVING AS A CHRISTIAN
THEME SCRIPTURE: Philippians 1:27
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- How are Christians supposed to behave?
- Are you behaving as a Christian at all times?
Reflecting on the theme scripture, you will realize that Apostle Paul was encouraging the Philippian believers to let their manner of life (behavior) be worthy of the gospel.
You will agree that the right behavior is important if any man wants to make progress in life. Also, you will agree that depending on where you live you are expected to behave in a particular way. Lastly, a man can develop particular behaviors based on where he was raised.
Consider something important here. It has been said concerning you that “you have come unto mount Zion, unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels” (Heb 12:22).
Meaning you have arrived in Zion and there is your habitation. This is why you need to behave like a Zionite or a citizen of the heavenly Jerusalem.
Maybe you never knew your spiritual address but today you know. You dwell in the midst of an innumerable company of angels; wherever you show up angels uncountable accompany you. Isn’t this beautiful? In the kingdom of our Lord Jesus, there is a way to behave. Failure to behave in accordance with the expectations of the kingdom can hinder our progress.
Beloved in Christ, “you have been born again, not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible, by the word of God which lives and abides forever” (1 Peter 1:23). You can only live by the gospel that gave birth to you, and must behave in accordance with same. What is the gospel then, and how are we supposed to behave in accordance with it?
The gospel of Christ is the power of God (Rom 1:16). This suggests that the one who is born of the gospel wields God’s power; he cannot be afraid. This is why a Christian should not, out of fear, lie or conform to worldly standards. No! The gospel of Christ is His finished works for us. Hence, you should not talk defeat, whether the economy of the country you are in is in shambles. The gospel of Christ is the righteousness of God (Rom 1:17). Hence, your manner of life must reveal God’s standard of righteousness. For instance, you can’t say you are born of God, come into His presence and yet, you have a bad relationship with your neighbor (Matt 5:23). The gospel is the love of God for mankind. You are to love your enemies and pray for those who despitefully use you (Matt 5:43). The gospel is the free gift of God to undeserving men and women like you and I.
If somebody sues you for your shirt (it is because he is so in need and has no Father like your Father in heaven), add to the shirt your suit and tire (Matt 5:40).
Precious One, we are not supposed to resist evil (or fight back evil). Our manner of life must always transform evil. The gospel of Christ is the transforming power of God. From today going forward, should not our behavior or manner of life be enough a gospel to turn many unto righteousness? By the word of God today, your behavior is aligning with the gospel of Christ; you are conducting yourself worthy of the gospel of Christ. Glory to God.
FURTHER READING – Matthew 5:28-45
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- Are there behaviors of yours that you know are not worthy of Christ?
- Are you willing, with the help of the Holy Spirit of God who lives in you, to align those behaviors with the gospel of Christ?
CONFESSION
I affirm this day that I am an ambassador of Christ. Always representing the invisible God in all matters and situations. I confess this day that my way of life is portraying the life of God and one who is recreated in Christ. In Jesus’ Precious Name, Amen.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Exodus 23; Psalm 77; Mark 9
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