Our Acceptable Christian Conduct

Repay no one evil for evil.  Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.  If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.  Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengence is Mine, I will repay."  says the Lord.  Therefore, "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him drink; For in doing so you will heap coals of fire on his head."  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12: 17-21 NKJV

My employer recently put us through their yearly human resources training of just what behavior is acceptable in the modern workplace.  As you can imagine, there was certainly plenty of grumbling among the masses for this so called "thought control training."  However, this seems to be the way the modern workplace, as well as society is headed.  This all got me to thinking just how far we, as christians, have wavered in our own lives.  The scriptures are laden with verses on just how Godly people are to behave not only to other christians but to the unsaved as well.  For it is here that the love of Jesus will be revealed through us.  What is acceptable christian conduct?  Well, far from just being as the old adage claims to, "Treat others as we would like to be treated," I believe it is far more than that.  Can we use as our compass any behaviors that might cause another person to fall?   Yes, and more.  For, as I mentioned, it is through our own behavior that others will see the ove and mercy of Christ through us.  It is no secret now that Jesus gave himself that He might put to death the sin spirit in all men and replace it with His own.  So, as we step out that dor each day, what behaviors are we using to exemplify Christ through us?

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.  And walk in love, as Christ has also loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrafice to God for a sweet - smelling aroma.  But fornication and all uncleanliness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor course jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving thanks.  For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolator, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.  Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God came upon the sons of disobedience.  Therefore, do not be partakers with them.
Ephesians 5: 1-7 NKJV

It is here, in Ephesians 5:1 that the appostle Paul gives us a blueprint for just how christian behavior should look.  Of course, we could see this as Pauls own acceptable behavior training.  My belief still remains, that we are to behave in a manner which would not cause another to fall into temptation or sin.  Are some comments we make causing another to stumble and act harshly?  Then, christian, our behavior is wrong.  Are our actions setting the example for another to engage in bad behavior?  Then, that is wrong as well!  No, if we are the light of the world, then it is our own conduct that others will see as Christ through us.  By now we all realize that, as christians, we face a higher behavior standard than the rest of the world, and I'm ok with that.  For greater is He that is in us than he who is in the world.

~Scott~