If I took a survey from across the world about how a Christian should act, the results would be as different as daylight is from darkness. Why? Because most of our ideas come from sources other than the Bible. Most Christians are too lazy to dig in and found out what God says. They would rather take hearsay, movies, or programs on the matter, as their information, rather than reading what God has to say. Sidenote, biblical movies made by unbiblical people, will not reveal scripture accurately. However, it is important that we know how a Christian is supposed to act and we need to get our information from what God has said in the Bible. Our actions send a message about God, our family, and our church. Our conduct is a direct reflection of all three.
Paul reminds us of this in Philippians 1:27. The word conversation is better translated as conduct and for the purpose of understanding and application, we will use conduct instead of conversation. In his letter to the Philippians, he tells them their conduct is to be becoming to the gospel, meaning it is to be worthy of the gospel. It should give the right representation of the good news of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:27 “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;”
The governing factor for a Christian about their conduct is Jesus. We are to be emulating Him in our speech, our interactions with others, the way we obey the laws of the land, the way we dress, and even in the way we think.
What we say and the way we say it reveals much about us. In Ephesians 4:29, we should speak no corrupt communication. Degrading, slanderous words should be eliminated from our vocabulary. We are to speak words that build up the kingdom, words full of grace and wisdom. How often do we say things not thinking how they will affect others? There may be times we must correct others, but it must be said with love and grace. Ephesians 3:4 warns us of inappropriate talking, such as jesting, filthiness, or being crude. In Proverbs 15:1-2, a soft answer turns away wrath and harsh words stir up anger. A wise person will use his knowledge correctly, but a fool will spout out words that are harmful to others.
Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
Ephesians 5:4 “Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.”
Proverbs 15:1-2 “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.”
Second, how we interact with others will either harm the gospel or help it. When we act in a loving honest way toward others it will be noticed. Paul reminds us in Romans 12:18, we are to live peaceably with all men as much as possible. There may be times this is impossible, but we are not to begin a quarrel. We will win no one to Christ with anger or harsh words.
Romans 12:18 “If it is possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”
Third, we are to obey the laws of the land unless there is a direct violation of scripture. In Romans 13:1, we are to be in subjection to those who are in authority. The only exception is when man’s laws go against God’s laws.
Romans 13:1 “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”
Act 5:29 “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.”
Fourth, we are to dress in a way that is modest. We are to dress in ways that do not draw undue attention to ourselves or the sensual areas of our body. We are to be known as godly women or men, in our way of adorning ourselves, and the revealing of ourselves. Our outward appearance is the first impression people have about us.
I Timothy 2:9-10 “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.”
Fifth, how we think governs our conduct. What is in your heart and mind will determine how you act. You may keep it hidden from others for a while, but eventually, your behavior will show who you are.
Proverbs 23:7 “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:”
There are many more verses that deal with how we should conduct ourselves as Christians, but the greatest way to know that our conduct is correct is to examine the life of Christ. Years ago, there was a phrase that became popular in Christian circles. It was WWJD, the initials stood for “what would Jesus do.” While many people wore “WWJD,” most had no idea what Jesus would do, because they didn’t know Him enough to emulate Him. If we are to have conduct becoming a Christian, we must study God’s word, pray for wisdom, and follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit. If everyone who proclaims the name of Christ would live this way, the world would be a different place. What about you, are you determined to live conducting yourself in a Christlike manner?