By Peter Russom
“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2: 6-7 (NKJV)
As we continue to reflect upon this year’s theme verse from Colossians, there are many applications for us to consider. In our ongoing walk with the Lord we grow in many ways, one of which is the way we think and interact with the many people in our lives. We are taught about how people considered God in their actions throughout both the Old and New Testament. We read about those who “believed on Him” and responded in obedience. We also learn about those who turn way from God and rejected His commands. Surely, through diligent study, we understand what kind of people He wants us to be. Grounded in the truth of the scriptures, we have clarity in walking the path He has illuminated for us.
“Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or are absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” Philippians 1:27 (NKJV)
The word “conduct” in this scripture is defined in Strong’s Bible Dictionary as “to live life as a citizen, to behave as a citizen”. In other dictionaries it is defined as “the manner of guiding or carrying one’s self, personal deportment, mode of action, behavior”. We understand the significance of our conduct as it relates to the unity of a congregation and in spreading the gospel. Our attitudes and the way we communicate with each other and those around us are directly connected to our faith. The source of all we do is found in the scriptures.
“Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!” Psalm 119:36 (ESV)
One of the byproducts of focusing and meditating on the scriptures is that we recognize the importance of being selfless. Instead of looking at the world to find our roles and purpose, this verse from Psalms directs us to look inward in reading/hearing God’s inspired word. It is here we find guidance to abide in Him. Having a heart directed toward God and our eyes fixed on Jesus requires us to not be selfish in our thinking. If our attention is solely on our own life experience, the danger of pride developing and a sense of superiority may be demonstrated.
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.” Matthew 23:25-26 (NKJV)
Jesus teaches about the importance of the inner person versus placing importance on how things appear. The Pharisees were hypocritical in many ways and their actions followed that lack of genuine concern to be right with God. Their effort to appear righteous was a facade that Jesus saw through and He confronted that deception directly. We also must be alert and discerning of what we encounter and always be willing to boldly proclaim the gospel.
“Do you look at things according to their outward appearance? If anyone is convinced in himself that he is Christ’s, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he is Christ’s, even so we are Christ’s.” 2 Corinthians 10:7 (NKJV)
Focusing on spiritual concerns and being compassionate servants of the Lord puts our faith into action. As we aim to glorify Him in all we do, our conduct is extremely important. Humility, meekness and selflessness are attributes that we continually strive to grow in. We need to remain focused on Jesus in our walk as He is our example in all things