HOW MAY I SHOW MY CHRISTIANITY?

The Christian lives a many faceted life. He exerts influence one way or the other in several realms. God has dealt with each of these, and the Christian ought to know what God expects of him as he operates in these realms. Let us consider these realms one by one.

THE CHURCH - The Christian is one who has obeyed the gospel, and hence a recipient of all spiritual blessings (Eph. 1:3). But with these blessings also comes responsibility. In his relationship with the church, how will the Christian demonstrate his Christianity? First, he will unite himself with a congregation of other Christians, and as a part of that congregation, will be an active part of it. He will be more than a "bench warmer" among the group he has cast his lot with. He will grow spiritually, and the way to do this is to first be faith­ful in his attendance at the services of the church. He will take part in its work and worship, and can be counted on to help in both physical and spiritual mat­ters that may arise. In spiritual matters he will be an example in teaching, praying, singing, giving and encourag­ing others to spiritual growth. In physi­cal matters, he will show concern for the material needs of others, and do what he can do meet those needs. In short, he will learn to be a giver, and not always be a taker.

THE HOME - As a father/husband, he will treat his wife and children with the proper respect and regard. He will show that he understands that his wife is the "weaker vessel" (1 Pet. 3:7), and knowing this, will put her welfare ahead of his own. He will demonstrate that she is the supreme object of his earthly affections, concern and protection. Concerning his children, he will rear them with spiritual and godly values (Eph. 6:4). He will be patient with them, knowing that youth will make it's mistakes. He disciplines them properly when the need arises, for he knows it is for their benefit. He will praise them for well doing, and not be a continual source of criticism. As a wife/mother, she will submit to her husband (Eph. 5:22; 1 Pet. 3:5f). Her life will be a glory to him (Pro. 31:23). She knows it is her duty to “guide the house” (1 Tim. 5:14 ). She realizes her natural, God-given talents that are designed by God to run the affairs of her household. As a mother, she will ask herself, “am I being a Lois and Eunice who is molding my children into what God wants them to be?” It may be that a wife/mother on occasion must work outside the home – but when this is done for no other reason than to merely have the “things” of this world, she does her family an injustice. As a son/daughter the Christian will be obedient to his parents (Eph. 6:1-3), and will bear the responsibilities those parents give him or her. He will learn such great lessons as found in the story of the “Prodigal Son” (Lk. 15), that youth does not have the wisdom to deal with the affairs of life as they should be dealt with.

IN SOCIETY - Jesus knew that his disciples had to live "in the world" (John 17:15 ) - and so do you and I! In society, the Christian will realize that he is "the salt of the earth; the light of the world" (Matt. 5:13f). In his lan­guage, he will be decent and pure (Col. 4:6; Tit.  28). In the literature that he reads, he will involve himself in that which edifies. That may include a wide range of material and topics, but always at the base of it will be the God's word. In dress, he will be modest and decent (1 Tim. 2:9), and that includes garments that cover and not expose the body. This, by the way, applies to both es. In the company he keeps, he will not run with the crowd that denigrates God and his principles. If they will not make the necessary changes, then the Chris­tian ought not company with such. His "special friends" will be those who have the proper regard for God and spiritual matters. It is tragic when Christians, old or young, had rather be with worldly associates than with Christians. In his amusements, one's Christianity may be shown as he makes sure they are wholesome in nature. Probably most movies today are not fit for the Christian to feast upon, and that is true regarding television as well. He will make sure that his entertainment does not detract from his spirituality. In citizenship, he will be an example of a law abiding person, promoting the things that make for peace (Rom. 12:18 ; Heb. 12:14 ). He will render unto Caesar the things that are his, as well as giving to God what is his. He will do what he can to make his community a better place in which to live, and will be known "in the gates of the city" as a person who does right even when it may be easier to do otherwise.

IN WORK - God has called upon his people to be industrious, and to labor for their daily bread. In such a field, one is usually either in one place or another - labor or management. As an employee, the Christian will be the best one his employer pays! He will give the proverbial "honest day's work for the honest day's pay" (Eph. 5:6-8). He will not be lazy and idle; he will not cheat his employer (Pro. 19:24 ; Matt. 25:26). As an employer, the Christian will respect those who work for him, and treat them right. He will learn to imitate the good man, Boaz (see Ruth 2:4)! He may be the "boss," but such does not give him priority over his workers in his standing with God!

How may I show my Christianity? God has given us guidelines, and when we respect those in all areas in which we function, both ourselves and those around us will benefit immensely. - Bill Moseley

 

 

 

                                           AND ANOTHER THING ...  
                                 (What Do You Look Like?)

Have you ever known anyone who was called by something, that in the mind of others, they resembled? How well I remember my high school class, and we were real good at it! Had one kid who stood about 6' 3" and weighed very bit of 110 pounds. He had arms and legs that looked like ropes, and about as long as a cowboy's lasso. What else could we call him but "Spi­der?" Then there was another kid who was taller than "Spider,  but he weighed over 400 pounds, and went all through high school answering to "Jumbo." I can still see another one, sort of normal height, but with real short legs. Had a big torso and stom­ach that hung over his belt. And so naturally, he became "the Heap." They didn't seem to mind, and so the names stuck.

It occurs to me that such might also be the case in spiritual matters. Do you look like a Christian? Oh, I don't mean physically, but do people call you a "kind person" because they see kind­ness in you? Are you known as an "unselfish person" because folks see that trait in you?

Whether you like it or not, and right or wrong, folks will refer to you by the qualities they see in your life. When they see how you live and act, can they say, "there goes a Christian?" If so, that is the highest compliment you can receive. What do you look like? - Bill Moseley