What does God expect of my behavior? - Behavior - TouchPoints

1 Timothy 4:12Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.

God wants each of us to be an example of Christ to others. Paul instructs his young disciple to focus on five areas where modeling takes place: (1) Speech. We must guard not only our teaching but also our words to and about others. (2) Actions. Our lived-out faith should cause us to acknowledge God in everything we do. (3) Love. It is easier for others to follow our example if they know we love them. (4) Faith. Others should see that our confidence in God motivates our efforts in the previous three areas. (5) Purity. Our lives should be characterized by transparency, integrity, and honesty even about our mistakes and failures.

Romans 12:2Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

If we rely on our own wisdom and efforts, we will likely fall prey to the world’s influences. But if we allow God’s Spirit to literally transform our behavior, he will help us live by a higher standard than those who aren’t yet transformed. God’s will isn’t always easy, convenient, or pain-free, so we must keep reminding ourselves that it is “good and pleasing and perfect.” Ask yourself frequently: “How is following Jesus changing the way I think about everything?”

Romans 13:13Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy.

God expects his followers to live by a higher standard, reflecting his character and setting an example of behavior—a godly lifestyle—for others to follow. Because we are no longer attempting to earn or deserve God’s love, we have been freed to simply please him with our obedience. The impossibility of perfection once haunted us; now genuine growth in godliness gives us reason to celebrate.