Bible Ballistics: BBs #357   Decency Does Matter!!!

 

Today we’ll cover the 4^th of our 5 D’s, Decency (Debt, Diligence, Discernment, Decency, and Dependence); what does it really mean? That is a big question in our culture.

Decency– “Behavior that conforms to accepted standards of morality or respectability; modesty and propriety”. For our purposes, God’s standard of Biblical respectability.

In order to live ready for the return of our Lord, ‘decency’ is imperative. Our behavior is to “conform” to God’s standard.

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”  Romans 12:2

I know we’ve used this verse a lot lately but I think it is one we need to keep before us, as ‘conformity’ seems to be the order of the day for most; while God calls us to a life of ‘non-conformity’—decency!!!

“Let all things be done decently and in order.”   1 Corinthians 14:40

Simply stated, in context this refers to the use of spiritual gifts, but it also has a general application to our daily lives. We are to practice ‘decency’ in ‘all’ that we do, whenever, and wherever we are, to every one, all the time!!! Small order but a big task! Yet in God’s strength we can achieve it. ‘Decency’, means that I must think about my actions—all of them —moment by moment, Biblically!!! It means that my actions and behavior (One and the same!) are to be pleasing to God in every way. While none of us is perfect, we are called to yield ourselves to God’s working in us. As Romans 8:28-29 so aptly reveals.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. ²⁹ For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.“

Paul puts the icing on the cake in Philippians 2. As we are conformed to Jesus, our focus should change from being “self” consumed, to ‘selfless’ service to others. The decency of a heart set on being Jesus’ hands and feet to others!

“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:”  Philippians 2:4-5 (Read 4-11 for the whole picture!)

The mind of Christ is to be seen in me; in selfless ‘decency’, always considering the effect on others; all because Jesus loves, saves and changes hearts and lives today! It’s what love always does—God’s love that is!!! Decency matters!

Remember the acrostic

J-Jesus (He died for me)

O-Others (need to see HIM)

Y-You (are His messenger to the world)

Simple but profound! May we be a reflection of Jesus Christ to a lost, indecent world? If we don’t, who will?