Are You Really Living Like Christ?
Some would be shocked and indignant if it were suggested that they were not living like Christ! Yet, their lives do not seem to include His principles. The term Christian means to be Christ-like. His teaching is our rule of conduct. Check the following to see some areas in which we may need to improve:
1. Do we do unto others as we would have them to do unto us? (Matthew 7:12). Is this our constant practice?
2. Do we rebuke our brother who sinned against us with the hope he will repent; or tell everyone but him? (Luke 17:3).
3. Are we busy-bodies in other men's affairs (1 Peter 4:15).
4. Lately, have we been praying for those who revile us, persecute and say all manner of evil against us falsely? (Matthew 5:11-12)
5. Do we do good unto all men and especially those of the household of faith? (Galatians 6:10).
6. Have we forgotten to pray without ceasing? (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
7. Do we obey them that have the rule over us? (Hebrews 13:7, 17).
8. Do we serve the Lord heartily with all our might? (Colossians 3:23-25).
9. Do we love the Lord our God with all our soul, heart, and mind? (Luke 10:27).
10. Do we visit the sick and help the needy? (Matthew 25:31-46).
11. Do we keep our appointments with the Lord for worship over our appointments with men? (Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 10:25)
12. Are we willing to suffer with Christ, in His cause? Are we ashamed when we do? (Romans 8:17; 1 Peter 4:16).
The question "Are you a Christian" does not always direct itself to those OUTSIDE the church. Let us adorn the Gospel by lives that are truly faithful to the Lord, that the crown of life in eternity may be ours!
From Our Archives, 1987
By Gary Colley