There are rules governing deportments (our behaviors and manners) for every avenue of life that we know instinctively; most are not written, just understood. We are master manipulators and can adapt to any environment, which is essential for survival. In some situations, it could have devastating consequences if people knew our true feelings or how we truly felt about them. Remember the movie Liar Liar?
Self-discipline and love are pivotal aspects of our conduct. We should not be hypocritical or superficial but wise and considerate. Exercising tongue discipline and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us is important. Bitterness and resentment should not be disguised with silence, as they can seep through our actions. We are permitted to process our emotions, but keeping them in check is crucial, as Ephesians 4:26 advises. This guidance helps us align our behavior with the principles of our faith, providing a steady compass in our spiritual journey.
Ethical Conduct: Representing Christ in Love, Authenticity, and Responsibility
Paul writes to the Christians in Philippi, "So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover's life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God" (Philippians 1:9-11; Message Bible).
We are personal representatives of Christ, and He is very concerned about how we represent Him because people will make decisions about Him based on our representation. Love is the key to this representation. We are not without imperfections, deficiencies, and discrepancies, and neither should we pretend to be, but we should be as concerned with the picture we paint to others of Jesus. We should use imagination, creativity, and our unique personalities to express God. This empowers us to be ourselves while keeping things in perspective. Our responsibility to represent Christ positively is not a burden but an inspiration that empowers us in our role as ambassadors of our faith.
In other words, we would not talk or act unrestrainedly in front of our children or supervisors because, in context, it would not be appropriate, so why do we take the opposite approach regarding God? The 'keepin' it real' mentality, often used to justify being unfiltered or unguarded, can lead to unemployment and loneliness if not careful. Friendships are not a requirement to be friendly, so be friendly. However, setting healthy boundaries is not just important; it's essential for our respect and security. It's a way of respecting ourselves and others and provides a sense of security in our relationships.
Ethical Conduct: Discerning Actions and Aligning Behaviors with Faith and Wisdom
One of Maya Angelou's most famous quotes is, "If someone shows you who they are, believe them!" This quote reminds us to pay attention to people's actions and not just their words, as actions often reveal a person's true character.
Though we all have days where we may regrettably misrepresent ourselves, ignoring the warning signs from self or others should not be justified. We can only hold ourselves responsible if we know better but go against our better judgment when patterns of inappropriate behaviors and actions presented habitually produce results of painful consequences. These consequences can include damaged relationships, loss of trust, and spiritual disconnection. Therefore, it's crucial to align our behavior with principles of self-control and wisdom to avoid such outcomes.
Paul warns us to give no opportunity to the devil. This means we should resist temptations and not behave contrary to our faith. I heard someone once say that Satan is a legalist, but he wants us to believe God is the legalist. Yes, God has boundaries, standards, and expectations, but He is not looking for every opportunity to take advantage of our inadequacies, but Satan does. Let us ethically conduct ourselves in ways to honor and please our Master, Lord, and Savior, Jesus. Let our lives articulate that He is not only Lord of all but Lord of us. Selah.
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