Bible Ballistics: BBs #633   #4 Of The 5 “D”s Of Readiness???

An Edited Repost of Bible Ballistics: BBs #14

 

As we discuss this 4^th of our 5 D’s, Decency, (Debt, Diligence, Discernment, Decency, and Dependence) what does it really mean? 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, and Biblical respectability”.  Because we are called to live ready for the return of our Lord, ‘decency’ is imperative.  Our behavior is to “conform” to God’s standard.  Remember what Paul reminds us of:

“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 believe it is one we need to keep before us, as ‘conformity’ seems to be the order of the day for most in our culture, our world.  Yet we need to remember we are called to be ‘non-conformists’ in regard to the world’s ways, but rather evidence of God’s transforming work before a lost and dying world (which by the way, isn’t our home)!

As Paul told the church at Corinth:

“Let all things be done decently 

and in order.”  1 Cor. 14:40

Simply stated, in context, this refers to the use of spiritual gifts within the body of Christ, but it also has a general application to our individual daily lives.  We are called to practice ‘decency’:

in all that we do;

wherever we are,

to every one,

all the time!!!

A seemingly small order but a big demand.  It means I must think about my actions—all of them —moment by moment, Biblically!!!

“But thanks be to God,

which giveth us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren,

be ye stedfast,

unmoveable,

always abounding

in the work of the Lord,

forasmuch as ye know

that your labour is not in vain

in the Lord.”  1 Corinthians 15:57-58

Yet we will only succeed in this challenge as we pursue the “mind of Christ Jesus” as Paul instructed us in his letter to the Philippians.

“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:

6 Who, being in the form of God,

thought it not robbery

to be equal with God:

7 But made himself

of no reputation,

and took upon him

the form of a servant,

and was made

in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient

unto death,

even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also

hath highly exalted him,

and given him a name

which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of things in heaven,

and things in earth,

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.”    Philippians 2:4-11 

All because “God so loved” me, how can I do less than reflect His love and character to all, and in all I do.  May my life be a testimony of the life-changing redemption of Jesus my Lord; as I behave with decency, considering my love for HIM, and the effect it may have on others….   Love always affects others—God’s love that is!!!  

So?  Keep looking up. Remember the acrostic

J-Jesus (died for me)

O-Others (need to see HIM)

Y-You (are His messenger to the world)!

Simple but profound.  Amen and Amen!!!