Saturday, September 29, 2007

Do What's Right

As Christians, we carry the name of Christ wherever we go. In my way of thinking, anyone who is a Christian should be someone who is always striving to do right in every aspect of life. We are given power to do right by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Of course every one of us makes mistakes and we all mess up sometimes, but really the norm should be that we are always trying to do what is right. Christians should be the best citizens, the best employees and the best role models, as well as the most pleasant people to be around. Unfortunately, though, this isn't always the case. Here are just a few things that I think we should do.

1. Christians should work. Not necessarily both the husband and the wife, but whatever it takes to cover the expenses of the household. If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 Timothy 5:8

2. Christians should obey the laws of the land. Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. Romans 13:1-2

3. Christians should pay their bills and pay their taxes. ...Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?... ...Then Jesus said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." And they were amazed at him. Mark 12:14, 17

4. Christians should be good employees. As employees, we should be the hardest workers at our jobs. We should be the ones who give 100% when we are being paid to work, the ones who are consistently on time to work, the ones who can control our anger, the ones who don't participate in gossip (easier said than done!) and the ones who are just nice people. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,.....It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24.

5. Christians should be kind and polite to other people. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. 1 Peter 2:15.

I hope that everyone who reads this list finds it to be basic common sense for Christians, but there may be some new Christians who haven't learned yet.

9 comments:

Missy said...

Kathy - You are absolutely right! We have told our children (and ourselves) we are witnesses to everyone we meet. We may be a good witness for Christ or we may be a bad witness for Christ - but we are all witnesses to others.

Thank you for the reminder.
Thank you also for the encouragement you gave. Some days you think you are the only person feeling this way - so it is nice to know I'm really not losing my mind! :)

Kathy said...

Thanks Strawberry! To me, these things are just the beginning of the Christian life, so I get really frustrated when long-time Christians think they don't need to do these basic things. I guess that's why Jesus has to be the standard we look to rather than to people.

Amel said...

I LOVE this list, Kathy! THANKS for the reminder plus the verses!!! ;-D

Ross said...

It's a good start, but let me help finish it off:

6) Christians should carry Bibles. Really, really BIG Bibles.

7) Christians should picket and be angry when people do things they don't agree with. Actually, it's ok if they're not REALLY angry because they're super-spiritual and KNOW that the world is going to hell, but they should at least put on a good show of it and wave their fists and make angry faces.

8) Christians should always leave between 2-4% tip for their servers. With a tract that uses lots of big confusing words.

9) Christians should have bumper stickers that tell others how spiritual they are. How else will people know?

10) Christians should NEVER -- under ANY circumstance -- enter into the life of someone who's struggling and needs hope and encouragement.


In all seriousness, it IS a good list Kathy, please don't mis-understand my satirical additions as being disrespectful of the legitimate list that you made. What frustrates ME about (many) long-time Christians is when they actually do "my" list rather than the simple things Christ commanded. Hmmm, love God and people. Not exactly rocket science, eh? Somebody needs a friend? Buy their lunch and love on 'em. Somebody's marriage is going through a tough patch? Watch their kids and give 'em a night out together. Somebody needs Jesus? SHOW them that he loves them and then the Bible verses will speak for themselves.

Oops, this is YOUR blog. Sorry, rant over!

Amel said...

Hi, Kathy, go and claim your award here:

Totally Fab Award

Lori said...

Waht a great reminder of how we should live our lives.

A big thank you to you!

Kathy said...

Amel, thank you so much for the award! I feel special! :)

Ross, thanks for your additions to my list! And you are so right -- too many Christians forget the most basic and simple things that God wants us to do.

Lori, thanks for your comment. Hope all is well with you!

Amel said...

You ARE special. ;-D I'm so glad we've met in this blogosphere. ;-D

Denise said...

A great big amen to this dear one.