The Standards for Christian living
As Christians I believe there are certain standards we must live be. By live by I mean everything we do must line up with these standards. Standards set by Jesus himself and the apostles.
1/ Love,
Jesus when asked,
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40.
Jesus also said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Matthew 5:43-47.
From the above scriptures we can see that we must love God, our neighbour and even our enemy. These are absolute truths directly from Jesus.
2/Live in Peace.
The apostle Paul states,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”Romans 12:18.
The writer of Hebrews agrees with this saying,
3/ Live Holy lives
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14
Thus we must endeavour to live at peace and live holy lives, for “...without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
4/Respect authority.
The apostle Paul tells us to,
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,... “Titus3:1
5/Do not slander
“.....slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.” Titus 3:2.
6/ Respect others
Jesus said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” Matthew 7:12.
This says it all. We must treat others in the same way we want to be treated, with love, with respect, with dignity.
7/ The fruits of a true Christian.
A true Christian exhibits the fruits of the spirit before all.
The apostle Paul tells us,
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22,23.
These scriptures are for me guide post when determining if someone is a Christian.
If you claim to be a Christian I would ask are you living in accordance with the scriptures I have presented above?
Please think about it.
As Christians I believe there are certain standards we must live be. By live by I mean everything we do must line up with these standards. Standards set by Jesus himself and the apostles.
1/ Love,
Jesus when asked,
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40.
Jesus also said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Matthew 5:43-47.
From the above scriptures we can see that we must love God, our neighbour and even our enemy. These are absolute truths directly from Jesus.
2/Live in Peace.
The apostle Paul states,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”Romans 12:18.
The writer of Hebrews agrees with this saying,
3/ Live Holy lives
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14
Thus we must endeavour to live at peace and live holy lives, for “...without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
4/Respect authority.
The apostle Paul tells us to,
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,... “Titus3:1
5/Do not slander
“.....slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.” Titus 3:2.
6/ Respect others
Jesus said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” Matthew 7:12.
This says it all. We must treat others in the same way we want to be treated, with love, with respect, with dignity.
7/ The fruits of a true Christian.
A true Christian exhibits the fruits of the spirit before all.
The apostle Paul tells us,
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22,23.
These scriptures are for me guide post when determining if someone is a Christian.
If you claim to be a Christian I would ask are you living in accordance with the scriptures I have presented above?
Please think about it.
