What To Do As A Christian

 

There are so many people who will tell you what Christians cannot do, but Paul did a good job of telling Christians what to do in his letter to the Church at Philippi. Let's take a look there, and a couple of other places:

Philippians 4:4  Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. 

 4:5  Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 

 4:6  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 

 4:7  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, 

     whatsoever things are honest, 

     whatsoever things are just, 

     whatsoever things are pure, 

     whatsoever things are lovely, 

     whatsoever things are of good report; 

if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 

After we do all that - just four simple verses - here's Paul's results:

Philippians 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. 

Of course, there are other verses that are just as specific.  Look at 1Thessalonians 5:16-22:

1 Thessalonians 5:14  Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 

  5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 

 5:16  Rejoice evermore. 

 5:17  Pray without ceasing. 

 5:18  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 

 5:19  Quench not the Spirit. 

 5:20  Despise not prophesyings. 

 5:21  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 

 5:22  Abstain from all appearance of evil. 

Again, the results are found in a single verse:

1 Thessalonians 5:23  And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Isn't it amazing that beyond believing that Jesus is Christ, the Son of God, living a Christian life is very positive? Every single one of those verses offer positive attitudes, actions, and results. Nowhere in there are damaging actions to any individual. For a non-Christian to turn down listening to a Christian's witness because Christianity wants to make so many changes in their lives - which of these items would you NOT want to be a part of the lives of people around you.

There are many more verses - a very good many to be found printed in red in "red letter Bibles," indicating that the words were spoken by Jesus. Such as:

If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:12-15 KJV)

Each of my blogs tells readers of heavenly things that I have never seen. I hope they also read about my own questions, answers, and experiences God's inspired word has offered me. That is the primary focus - Bible reading, learning, questioning, seeking, then making your own, personal choice that is being offered. 

Know that while every Christian will at some time not live up to God's standard, they continue to strive. Anyone who does not strive to change is missing something in their spiritual life. That's why Paul also included:

Brethren, pray for us. (1 Thessalonians 5:25 KJV)

That's always a request I make, too.