BASIC PRINCIPLES OF CONDUCT

It is always wrong for me to be conformed to the world. No matter who I am and where I have come from, "love of the world is enmity with God." The cosmos and the ecclesia are two entirely different social systems under two totally opposite leaders. The "god of this world" world is Satan. The "Head of the Church" is the Lord Jesus Christ. I am to be transfigured from the world and its ways by the renewing of my mind [Ro.12:1- 2].

Another principle of conduct as it relates to my brothers and sisters in Christ is that I am not to have a condemning attitude toward them. I may have a different opinion than my fellow-believers about certain things such as what I eat, what I do on the Lord's Day or who I show friendship toward. But this does not give me the right to condemn them for their different ways or thoughts. The Lord Jesus was condemned by some when He was here for eating "with publicans and sinners." Some may not want to do that even today. I am not to condemn them for not doing that even if I choose to do so [Ro.14:1-3].

A principle that I need to keep constantly before me is that my convictions must be based on the Word of God. The Word of God does not allow some things (theft, homosexuality, adultery) even though society today overlooks those things, and in some parts of society, condones and even promotes them. whether I accept them or not is not up to me. These are condemned by the Word of God. When the Word of God is silent on a matter such as the food I eat, the work I do, the place I live or other matters of personal opinion, then I am not allowed to condemn or reject that person because of a difference of opinion. The issue involved here is whether the conduct is condemned by scripture or allowed by one's conscience. The overriding decision in a matter is whether one is able and willing to own the Lordship of Christ in it. We are to live our life to the Lord, and if my conduct leads me to die for my convictions, I am able to die owning Jesus as my Lord. He died that he might be Lord of those who live for Him or die for Him [Ro.14:4-9].

To be considerate of one another in the family of God is expected. There is One who knows the motivation behind every action and opinion of His people. I am accountable to my Lord Jesus Christ for what I do or not do - not to other people. When a brother or sister takes an action that is one I cannot participate in, I am not given the right to insist that what is being done is wrong if there is no scriptural injunction against it. In the same way, if what I want to do will knowingly offend others, then I should be considerate and refrain from that action or activity. My decision is to be based on whether it will stumble another person, not only on if I want to do it. The Lord knows my heart and there will be a time when I put into words before Him at the judgment seat, the motivation behind the actions that I take [Ro.14:10-13].

Sometimes there may be a decision made on one occasion that is quite inconsistent with actions taken on another. A basic principle of conduct is that I be consistent in the things I do. I know what freedom in Christ is and I also know what freedom of conscience is. The two go together. My freedom in Christ does not free me to ignore or grieve the conscience of another person. My liberty is to be controlled by the Spirit of God who give me the higher responsibility of acting in obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ. In love, I am to not to do anything that would turn another person aside from their walk of faith in Christ, even if it is weak faith. My liberty in Christ must be used with care so that my walk in the Spirit, and my brother or sister's walk will not in any way be hindered [Ro.14:14-17].

Constructive conduct is another basic principle in my life tin the Lord. When one's walk in serving Christ is pleasing to Him, it will be approved by those around who know a righteous walk when they see it. There is an expectation that believers are righteous in their lives, not just religious professors. Even when those may oppose and persecute, there is an underlying approval. Constructive conduct has a way of building up respect and approval from those who watch the lives of believers with a critical eye. By following hard after peace and hunting it down, will keep me from engaging in on-going differences of opinion that led us nowhere in maintaining good fellowship. To edify another, builds that person up, and will promote strength and spiritual well-being [Ro.14:18-19].

I do have to be careful of the consciences of others, not just my own. A fundamental principle of Christian conduct is that I am going to be sensitive to the consciences of other. It is wrong for me to ride rough-shod over what may be important to another person, even though it is of little importance to me. I do not want my brother to have a spiritual fall. I do not want to place a snare in the path of his Christian life and testimony. It is wrong for me to use my liberty in front of him until he can see the value of himself. So, I may have to wait awhile and be cautious in using the blessing of my liberty until he is taught by the Spirit of God.

There is a joy I have in Christ, that of Christian liberty. However, some though they are saved, have found this hard to see. So, in respect for them as family, some things I will not do - Until I know the Holy Spirit has been able to teach them too.

It is not only wrong, but it is not nice for me to ignore their pain. If I for my own selfish reason hurt them, what will be my gain? I will not have strengthened them and may be the cause of them to fall. If that happens what would I say if on me for help they call?

No, I will not choose to follow the ways of the world, nor conform to it. Nor will I condemn my fellow believers who find it hard to submit To the way we know Christian life to be lived, until they are further grown. My convictions won't help them at all unless they become their own.

What I believe and pass on to others, must be Bible-based. Also, I must remember to be considerate of those who come from a different place. Their conscience may be sensitive because of habits and traditions formed When they were trying to please other people and to a system conform.

By God's grace when I live consistently and base what I do on God's Word, The time will come as a result of consistent conduct, they will know the Lord. When we died and rose in Christ, free from the law of sin and death - We found liberty in Christ a higher motive for living than laws that people set.

I don't want to trample on another man's conscience, I want to live constructively. If I can do that in a Christ-like way, I think the weaker in faith will see That God Himself has made us free to walk in this life of faith. Our conscience is freed from vain traditions when we appreciate the results of grace.

"Father, with gratitude for what Thou hast allowed me to experience, I humbly ask that I will be guided to be Christ-like in all my dealings with others. Please keep me from being patronizing or condescending in my attitude to anyone lest they be stumbled in their faith. Help me to be sensitive and compassionate toward those who have been freed from bondage of whatever kind it may have been. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."