Christian lifestyle is something every believer consciously works towards
It’s something that finds expression as much as we have allowed the Spirit work through us.
That’s why, the moment a person gives his or her life to Jesus to become a Christian,
One of the things that follows is work on his/ her Christian lifestyle.
It will behoove us to know then that the early church were first called Christians in Antioch
Not for fancy or as a pet name but because of the life people around saw them live which was undeniable
Acts 11:26c “ And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch”
The Christian Lifestyle and Conduct Explained
As Christians, we do have to have a conduct that sets us apart
Sometimes, it seems as if it is very difficult and almost unattainable.
In fact, I am now beginning to understand why they couldn’t keep the laws in the old covenant.
Because, even with the Spirit of grace helping me now, sometimes I misfire and do things I don’t want to do.
You know, you feel like there is another law at work in your members,
you want to do good but end up doing bad.
Romans 7:19 “For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do”
Thank God for Jesus Christ, for it would have been a hopeless case of perpetual cycle
Additionally, we have to also know that it is a daily and a progressive work of transformation
The more we behold the perfect law of liberty, the more we are changed into the Image of Christ.
The article covers a few areas about the Christian lifestyle and conduct.
1. The Christian Lifestyle, Conduct as the light of the world
John 1:4 tells us
“In Him was life; and life was the light of men”
This is to say that whenever the scriptures is revealed to us, a measure of light finds expression.
Meaning that the Life has the inherent capacity to give light to men
And the measure to which we have allowed the life find expression is the measure to which the light will shine
Again, God designed it in such a way that Jesus will be seen by all men through us.
So, it is most paramount that we come into a wholesome
knowledge and a proper understanding of this new life that we have been called into
1Pet.2.9b “that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light”
Christian lifestyle and conduct is possible and the HolyGhost can help us live it.
2. The Christian Lifestyle, and Conduct as to godly living
Using the scriptures, we see the call of every Christian as a call of separation unto God.
Also, it is a call away from the world, away from self, away from sin,
1Pet.1.15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.
My Father Apostle Edu would always say that spirituality is also physical.
Meaning, that our spirituality is not something mystical but something that can be touched.
Consequently, our Christian lifestyle and conduct can be touched by the people around us.
However, you have to be aware that the One who holds the indices of measurement is God.
So alignment teaches you to stick with God’s perspective irrespective of what people think.
I would say, that there isn’t much people who their opinion count, stick with those whom their opinion does.
Of course, we should know God’s opinion is statutory and a very few others as well.
Furthermore, if it is truly a life and a lifestyle we received then we have to live it.
Remember, the scripture says in Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked:
for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap”
If we sow no matter how subtle we are, we will reap even if it takes five years
Let’s be careful what we sow especially if we are in the place of authority.
God needs to help us, and I believe He will that’s why each day we cry to Him
Peradventure He will hear our genuine cry and brings us to conformity to Imago Dei
3. The Christian Lifestyle and Conduct as a Narrow Path
Now, the scriptures also tell us as Christians in
Matthew 7:14 ‘Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way,
which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it”
If this is so, what does this scripture exactly tell us?
Verily, that every Christian should and must take the narrow way.
However, narrow way does not mean narrow as in the literal sense.
Even though, we can use some of its characteristics to infer, for example a narrow way isn’t comfortable.
Sometimes, you walk on thorns, you are even buffeted but it seems that somehow that’s what will furnish
The lifestyle heaven is demanding.
Because we may think we are kind until we are brought on the narrow path
We may think we are quiet or hassle free until we are brought on the narrow path
We may even think we know God until we are brought on the narrow path
To furnish real character in us, not the one that is feigned or suppressed.
God must get us on this narrow path if you like be John the Beloved, there is a portion alloted to you.
In fact, this narrow path the scripture says it’s only few that find it.
Sometimes, I just sincerely ask God why?, like why can’t everybody find it?.
And then God will say, die daily.
Daily death is painful and bone wrenching especially if it’s the cross not our foolishness.
But when it is done, we will say like Paul in
Galatians 6:17 “From henceforth let no man trouble me:
for I bear in my body the marks of the “Lord Jesus”
Narrow is the path, I wish we can broaden it but that’s God’s verdict.
Conclusion
As believers, we must pattern our lives as Jesus would do if He were on earth.
It’s not easy, it’s a call of daily beholding and living.
And this stems out of our genuine love for God because even the fruit of the Spirit
Can’t be lived outside of the Spirit, so the more conformed we are the more
We can live the fruit, we can’t give what we don’t have even if we try
Our engines will malfunction one day when real pressure comes on it.
God will help us via His Spirit to be furnished to live right with a good conduct. In Jesus name
You can check the article barriers to accessing revelations from the scriptures
7 Comments
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Thank you for sharing 🙏. As believers we have to become more like Jesus daily.
Blessed. Thanks ma’am.
Sister Presh, I celebrate you ma
Thank you Ma🙇
AMEN
Christianity is very much physical, if the people around us can’t bear witness even in their perpetual dislike for us, that something divine is governing our conduct then something is wrong.
Beautiful piece