" OUR BEHAVIOR "

OK, here we are again, another week is upon us and I want to know are you ready to put your best foot forward?

This week we will be looking into our Behavior. How often do you consider yours? Self-Control (being sensible) is an important aspect in Christianity. OK, to stay above reproach, we need Wisdom, and Discernment to be Discreet, and to master our wills, tongues, and passions so that Christ will not be dishonored.

How's your self-control? Often we allow others' values and actions to dictate our attitudes and behavior. Have you ever made a wrong choice because you wanted to be like everyone else? Be careful that the values of your friends or "heroes" don't pull you away from what God says is right. When God's people want to be like unbelievers, we are heading for spiritual disaster.

How can we be perfect?
(1) In Character. In this life we cannot be flawless, but we can aspire to be as much like Jesus as possible.

(2)In holiness. Like the Pharisees, we are to separate ourselves from the world's sinful values. But unlike the Pharisees, we are to be devoted to God's desires rather than our own, and carry his Love and Mercy into the World.

(3) In Maturity. We can't achieve Christ-Like Character and Holy Living all at once, but we must grow toward Maturity and Wholeness. Just as we expect different behavior from a baby, a child, a teenager, and an adult, so God expects different behavior from us, depending on our stage of Spiritual Development.

(4) In Love. We can seek to Love others as completely as God Loves Us. We can be perfect if our behavior is appropriate for our maturity level - perfect, yet with much room to grow. Our tendency to sin must never deter us from striving to be more like Christ.

Christ calls all of his disciples to excel, to rise above mediocrity,and to mature in every area, becoming like him. Those who strive to become perfect will one day be perfect, even as Christ is Perfect.

LAST POINT: If we focus on our God's great Love for us, we will understand that he only restricts us from actions and attitudes that ultimately will harm us.

So be mindful of your behavior.

Until next Time...
Jim,