Appropriate Behavior for the Lord’s People
Are you amazed at the bazaar things that people do? I am! But, you can be sure that others look at us, and think we are doing bazaar things as Christians. In fact, many of the views we take and uphold from the Scriptures cause people of the world to say some pretty mean stuff about us as believers. Really, how dare Christians say wives are to be submissive to their husbands? Imagine, children can be disciplined and they are to be obedient to their parents. Unbelievably, employees are to work hard all the time for their employers -- like a slave for a master (Colossians 3:18-4:1).
The point is Christians do what is right in the Lord. Believers do everything in the name of the Lord (Colossians 3:17)! As children of God, we have a Father in heaven who asks us to live obedient lives. In fact, the Hebrew writer penned, "He (Jesus) became the source of eternal salvation for everyone who obeys Him" (Hebrews 5:9).
It is important that we as followers of Christ do what we are asked to do. While, also, remembering the outcome of our actions is very important. Husbands should not be harsh with their wives (Colossians 3:19). Fathers should not make their children resentful or discourage them (Colossians 3:21). Employers (masters) should remember that they have a Master in heaven (Colossians 4:1). There is appropriate behavior in everything we do. The golden rule of Christ should always be in mind and practice -- "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" (Matthew 7:12).
Another significant point of fitting behavior is focusing on who is observing us. We obey because God is watching, not because men are watching (Colossians 3:22). Christians are not men-pleasers, but rather God-pleasers. We do God's Will to make Him happy! Our relationships with others are guided by sincerity and wholeheartedness before our Creator.
A third vital aspect of appropriate behavior is remembering Who we serve. We serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is our real Master, and no one else can direct us. In Christ, we will receive our inheritance as a reward (Colossians 3:24).
The final key to proper actions centers on judgment and God's impartiality in that judgment. God's Word is clear on this matter of receiving what we have sown. If a person does something wrong, he will be paid back for the wrong he has done. The same is true if good has been done. God will be fair and He does not play favorites (Colossians 3:25).
So, Christians do what is right in the Lord!
