Our Daily Behavior In The World P1 Series

How should we behave in this world…Part 1

Show Christ

…by blessing those who persecute you…

…in interactions…

…in Harmony…

We as “true” believers have a call to live a balanced life. We are to be “in the world, but not of the world”. This is a hard area for most…

If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. John 15:19

I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. [15] I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. [16] They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. John 17:14-16

The world system is committed to at least four major objectives, which I can summarize in four words: fortune, fame, power, pleasure. First and foremost: Fortune, money. The world system is driven by money; it feeds on materialism. Second: Fame. That is another word for popularity. Fame is the longing to be known, to be somebody in someone else’s eyes. Third: Power. This is having influence, maintaining control over individuals or groups or companies or whatever. It is the desire to manipulate and maneuver others to do something for one’s own benefit. Fourth: Pleasure. At its basic level, pleasure has to do with fulfilling one’s sensual desires. It’s the same mindset that’s behind the slogan: "If it feels good, do it." Charles Swindoll, Living Above the Level of Mediocrity, p.219.

Instead of the world’s behavior, Let’s see what our daily behavior should be…

Show Christ by blessing those who persecute you…

Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Romans 12:14

The word “bless” (eulogeo) means to speak well of.

We are to speak well of those who persecute us.

Could this be difficult when verbally or physically attacked, mistreated, insulted, by-passed, overlooked, slandered, cursed, abused, injured?

Often we do not overlook these things in our families…But God’s word is unmistakable, speak well of the person who attacks you...

What does it mean to bless and to speak well of?

It means to speak well to our persecutors. It means not cursing, speaking harshly, or striking out at them. Instead we find something commendable about them and we commend them for it.

“Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:9).

“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephes. 4:31-32).

It means to speak well about our persecutors. We do not down the persecutor, but we mention some commendable traits. We praise some “good thing” about the person; we do not tear them down.

It means to pray for our persecutors.

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots” (Luke 23:34).

By doing so some might be won to Christ.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

It means to do good to our persecutors.

“But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you” (Luke 6:27).

“But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil” (Luke 6:35).

Show Christ in interactions…

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Rom 12:15

We show genuine interest…in people. God gives us two in particular…

We rejoice with them that rejoice.

Not as the world does its joyful moments and affairs, that is, partying and drunkenness. No, we are also called to separation.

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, [18] And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 2 Cor. 6:17-18

Instead rejoice with neighbors, friends when something good happens to them. Join them in their moment of joy when they: have a baby, achieve something, or receive some recognition.