Good Character (2)
Faith in Christ, not conducts, is what gets a man saved. No man will get saved because he lies no more or because he dresses moderately by societal standards; rather, the only basis for salvation remains FAITH IN CHRIST. When we believe in the suffering and his glory, we become sons of God. What are we to believe about this?
Rom. 4:24-25;
24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
He died for OUR sins and was raised for OUR justification. Simple yet divine is the message.
That said,
Even though conducts, character, and behavior do not get a man saved, the scriptures, especially the epistles, have a loud emphasis on it – how we ought to behave ourselves and walk in our new nature.
We must consistently put ourselves in check on how we act and react. For instance, a believer in the gospel must not be given to loose talking, so much is said in the scriptures regarding that.
Solomon puts it like this:
Prov. 10:19-20;
19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
Ecc. 5:3;
3 For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words.
When you talk too much, you tend to say what is not needed, lies begin to run smoothly, gossip and such like. Our words must be chosen and they must be full of grace and helpful to the hearers.
Paul instructed it too:
Eph. 4:29
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Eph 5:4
4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
Some jokes are unnecessary; some gists are not needed. Be wise.
Col. 3:8;
8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
Col. 4:6;
6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
James instructs same:
Jam. 1:19;
19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
Jam. 3:2
2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
Be slow to speak, it’s good manners to bridle your tongue. Words are too vital. A wise man said ” when you feel you need to talk by all means, that is the best time to keep quiet”. That’s so true.
Good character is shown in how we talk, what we say. Don’t shun the word because to say that ‘character doesn’t matter’ (how you talk, what you say, whether you’re angry or not, whether you forgive or not) will be to turn a blind eye to the instructions in the scriptures, we must act on the word and walk in our new nature – this new man is full of grace in WORDS and in DEED.
Say this: My words build others up, they are gracious. I act as one who is taught, I do the word.
Daily Bible Reading Plan:
Exo. 31 – 33
TEACHING OF THE DAY
The weapons of our warfare (2)