Jesus said that we would know his people by the fruit of their works. He also said that they could be identified by love. That is why it is extremely important that Christians display exemplary conduct.
Christians are supposed to be exemplary citizens.Jesus himself said that love is the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:38-40). John 15:8 tells us that Jesus wants his people to bear much fruit. In fact, love is so important that Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 15:1-3 that even if he did extreme things on behalf of others, but did not have love associated with it, it was valueless. Galatians 5:22, 23 identifies the fruitage of love. 1 Peter 4:8 also tells us to have "intense love" for one another (NWT). 1 Corinthians 8:1 also tells us that love builds up.
It is vital that Christians show love, because by this all will know that they are his disciples (1 John 13:35). It is frustrating, saddening, and actually something that makes me feel angry when I see Christians apparently taking advantage of another one of their spiritual brothers or sisters. I am watching someone being removed from their home because they opened it up to another family while they were homeless. This family appears (from the outside) to be taking over the house and forcing these people out. The hosting family is very giving in many ways and they are attempting to apply scriptural counsel to their situation (see my last post), but something changed recently that has me extremely concerned.
It is important that Christians avoid corrupting the flesh with things like tobacco (2 Corinthians 7:1). In my last post, I reflected a scripture where Paul was being falsly accused of taking advantage of a congregation. We know that this is wrong. We also know that we are imperfect and sin often. I also understand that we must forgive our brothers and sisters even if they sin repeatedly against us but repentatly ask for our forgiveness (Matthew 18:21, 22). Yet, as was pointed out to me today:
...if someone claims to be a true Christian, but their lives violate many principles of the Bible, how is one supposed to respect their beliefs?
Very good question. The only answer I have is that this elaborately demonstrates how our conduct as Christians can make us bloodguilty. If our conduct causes others to reject the Kingdom message, should we not be concerned? I've seen this counsel misapplied often in my life to justify all sorts of opinions and jealousies. Now, however, I understand the true importance of it. People watch us, whether we want them to or not. If the only examples of Christians they have are negative, how are they to view the Bible? Are they not told by the Bible to judge the message by the conduct of those who follow it? How is an outsider to know who is a true Christian and who is a false one? Why would they even want to discuss the Bible with someone who claims to follow it, but in their eyes probably isn't?
These questions are the true importance of Phillippians 1:9-10, Psalms 97:10 ("hate what is bad"), and 1 Corinthians 10:32. It is not nessesarily whether or not our car has four doors or is too nice for the area. The important question is, "how will this affect others' view of True Christians?"
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