Living as a Christian in All Areas of Life

Living as a Christian in All Areas of Life

As Christians, do we live in private the lives that we present in public?  In order to live with integrity, we mature spiritually so our words and actions cohere.  Moreover, we strive for consistency of thought and deed in public as well as in private. 

Spouses, children and close friends could best tell us whether we are achieving integrity.  Any of us can cultivate a refined public persona.  The validity of our Christian witness is most evident in our actions.  Will the people closest to us attest to the legitimacy of our Christian witness?  If we were ever tried for our faith, would those persons take the witness stand as our character witnesses and present substantial evidence to prove we are disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ?  I suspect they would be unwilling if they have not seen in private what they hear in public.  If we are Christians, we follow our Lord’s example at all times and in all places.  Discipleship development requires strict and continual adherence to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.  Inner healing and wholeness necessitate spiritual balance in action and words.  We carry the light of God’s love and truth at work, church and home.

We face the challenge of living as Christians in all areas of our lives.  As it relates to finances, we practice good financial stewardship to honor and glorify God with thanksgiving for his faithful provision and gracious blessings.  Practically, we meet our financial commitments and obligations.  We encourage others to glorify Him as our actions emerge from truth in His word.  Resolving debt, paying bills on time, saving, giving to the ministry, considering the needs of the least of society, all, are ways in which we praise the Lord and live to His honor.

At work, it is most critical for disciples to evidence to all persons Christ is the Lord of their lives.  Colleagues watch us more closely than we realize.  They hope we truly believe what we say.  They assess the worth of our beliefs as we apply them to daily living.  People who stumble in darkness really want the light of God’s love and grace.  They hope we are genuine.  They want to know whether the gospel of Christ and the Bible are true and trustworthy.  They possess a heartfelt desire that we direct them to the path of righteousness.  Traveling on the straight and narrow path, we can assuredly lead them to Almighty God.

In Romans 12:1-2, the apostle Paul says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.”  A tremendous story lies behind the text. Moral laxity permeates Rome.  An incredible licentiousness and debauchery arises.  A system of temple prostitution develops.  Paul pleads with disciples in Rome to avoid moral and ethical compromise that so easily entangles them.  He cautions them to avoid the philosophical trap of syncretism in which one blends the dominant culture with newfound faith in Christ.  Paul reminds these Jewish Christians of the temple and the requirements of the law of God.  Interestingly, the great apostle of Christian liberty exhorts the church at Rome to avoid the danger of abusing their freedom.  In thought and deed, their lives must reflect Christian principles.  In mind and body, they demonstrate willingness to adhere to Christ’s teachings and example.

As it relates to our abilities and talents, we also submit them to Almighty God for His exclusive use.  We are instruments of God’s love and peace.  As we submit to His will, He guides the use of our abilities toward eternal purposes and meaningful lives.

In so doing, God empowers us with the gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit who enables us to live as Christians with integrity in all dimensions of life whether jobs, recreation facilities, entertainment and athletic events, social gatherings or the privacy of our bedrooms.