~Daily Devotion 27th~

A Better Conduct

Ephesians 1:4...we should be holy and blameless before him.

The story is told of a young man who was fond of making fun of the Christian faith by pointing out the wicked practices and suspect characters of individual Christians.

A wise man approached this young man and asked the following, 'My friend, have you ever seen any one astonished at the bad conduct of those who are not Christians?" The young man replied, "No." The wise man continued, "Well, don't you see that you pay the highest possible compliment to Christianity? You expect from those who profess to be Christian a better conduct than from those who profess your own opinions. If Christians ought to be holy, is not that proof, by your own criticisms, that the religion they embrace is also holy? What say you to that?" Without making any reply the young man walked away.

Christian conduct is to be set at a higher standard. This standard is holiness and the amazing thing about our Christian behavior is that people are watching us. Everyday, our behavior, our reactions to circumstances, our tone, our attitudes are all being sized up. The conclusions people draw are always the same, "So that's how a Christian responds, acts, behaves, etc."

As representatives of the cause of the Lord Jesus Christ we have a tremendous responsibility. However, there is more, we also have a great opportunity and privilege. How wonderful it is that people are watching us. The challenge to live for Christ is ever before us as we interact with those whom God brings into our life.

It is sanctifying for us to be aware that we are being watched. It should change our conduct. It should cause us to seek to live more and more in a Christ like manner. When sanctification gets a grip upon us the only things that are destroyed are the things that would destroy us. What a blessing it is to be watched.

"There is a beauty in holiness as well as a beauty of holiness." George Swinnock

"Thou hast an art above God Himself, if thou canst fetch any true pleasure out of un-holiness." William Gurnall

~An Inspirational Poem~
Sermons We See
by Edgar A. Guest

I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day;
I'd rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.
The eye's a better pupil and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing, but example's always clear;
And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.

I soon can learn to do it if you'll let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true,
But I'd rather get my lessons by observing what you do;
For I might misunderstand you and the high advise you give,
But there's no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.

When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind.
When a weaker brother stumbles and a strong man stays behind
Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me
To become as big and thoughtful as I know that friend to be.
And all travelers can witness that the best of guides today
Is not the one who tells them, but the one who shows the way.

One good man teaches many, men believe what they behold;
One deed of kindness noticed is worth forty that are told.
Who stands with men of honor learns to hold his honor dear,
For right living speaks a language which to every one is clear.
Though an able speaker charms me with his eloquence, I say,
I'd rather see a sermon than to hear one, any day.

Actions do not begin outwardly with how we treat others or how we handle situations in life. Actions begin in our minds. How we think-out inner attitude, affects what we do, how we act and how we treat others. We will constantly have situations in our lives that we need to learn how to handle. Not all of life is happy or fair. Circumstances will arise when our true character will show through. "If we could see the inside of a person heart after we have spoke in anger to them. We would see a part that has slowly died, just because we could not keep our mouths shut. Words spoken in anger are words that never can be taken back." Pastor Pat Aman In this devotion today we are going to discuss the attitude of Anger, because anger will not only hurt us and keep us from success, but anger will destroy the lives of the people around us. (Proverbs 15:1-2) says, "A soft answer turns away wrath. But a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly. But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness." ANGER: It is a truth a nature that pollution does not get better by itself. Pollutions and wrong doing spread. If you have a cold and cough near someone, you can spread your germs and make him sick also. But a healthy person cannot spread health by being near you. Such things as anger spread from one person to the next and never make things better. An angry person is easily provoked and easily loses control. He uses a quick temper and cutting words to hurt others. Anyone who knows an angry person wants to stay away from him. It never helps to be angry, for anger never solves any problems. Anger only makes things worse. It shows everyone around you that you cannot control your attitude. Jesus knew all of the events that were going to happen to Him before they occurred. He knew that Judas would betray Him; He knew that He would be taken prisoner; He knew that He would be beaten, cursed and mocked; He knew that He would go through an unjust trial; He knew He would be crucified on a cross between two thieves. In all of these things He prepared His heart to have the right attitude at all times. He knew that whatever happened to Him was God's perfect will. The Bible says, " 'Be angry, and do not sin'; do not let the sun go down on your wrath." (Ephesians 4:26) If you break this verse down into two separate yet integrated parts, lets see what it says. The first part "Be angry, and do not sin." This gives us permission to be angry, but at the same time warns us against being destructive with our anger. Our heavenly Father understands situations will arise where anger is a real and valid response, but we are to handle it responsibility. (James 1: 19) tell us to "be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath" Some of us as I use to be, was just opposite of this. We are slow to listen, quick to speak, and extremely quick to blow up. This, of course, is destructive, not constructive anger. It is an example of "be angry, and sin!" The second part of our verse "do not the sun go down on you wrath" is equally as crucial. Too often we found that when we go to sleep angry, we wake up angry. What began as a turned back in the bed had grown into a turned heart in the morning. God promises His love is steadfast and His mercy is new every morning. but after sleeping with anger we find out it is hard to sense His mercy, because we are too busy thinking of those we may have spoken harshly too. Proverbs 18:21 says,"Death and life are in the power of the tongue. And those who love it, will eats its fruit." Sometimes in anger we may speak things that brings death to the soul of our wives, husband, children, and friends. We need to guard our hearts with the Word of God and prayer. We will soon learn that we want half to eat our own words. Reserve your sleep for refreshing and renewal. Settle matters at least in your own heart before you close your eyes so that the Holy Spirit might speak to you in the night watches.