Reading: Colossians 4
My Verse: "Behave yourselves wisely [living prudently and with discretion] in your relations with those of the outside world (the non-Christians), making the very most of the time and seizing the opportunity" (4:5).
Throughout scripture You tell us, Lord, to be an example of good living to the world.
"That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world" (Philippians 2:15 KJV).
"Ye are the salt of the earth . . . " ( Matt. 5:13 KJV ).
"Ye are the light of the world" (Matt. 5:14 KJV ).
"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 5:16 KJV ).
Even the secular world recognizes the strong effect of example. I just read one such study done at the Durnham University in the UK. There is a great concern about the rise of binge drinking among the young, ages 18 -24 year olds. According to the results of the report this binge drinking among the young is due in large part to copying effect. Most of the young people said they participated in this activity because their friends did.
It is also well-known that children tend to copy their parents social mores. It is also funny when one moves to a locale with a very distinct dialect and how quickly that dialect gets picked up by the newcomer.
So, yeah, my behavior is observed by others, even those I do not know. There is this ad on TV that shows someone doing a good deed and being observed by a stranger who also goes on and does something good - the whole "pass it on" thing. Truth is people do watch one another. Paul did well to remind us here to "behave yourselves wisely in your relations with the . . . world".
Thank You, Lord for this admonishment. I am reminded here of a childhood Sunday School song.
"This little light of mine
I am going to let it shine . . . .
Hide it under a bushel - NO!
I am going to let it shine."
All too often I don't feel like shining. This is unfortunate but it is the reality. I cannot be a bubbling brook every moment of every day. It is at these times that I need to lean on You, Lord Jesus, trusting that You will guard my speech and behavior. "Who are being guarded by God's power . . ." 1 Peter 1:5). Thank You for that.
Ditat Deus - God Enriches!
My Verse: "Behave yourselves wisely [living prudently and with discretion] in your relations with those of the outside world (the non-Christians), making the very most of the time and seizing the opportunity" (4:5).
Throughout scripture You tell us, Lord, to be an example of good living to the world.
"That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world" (Philippians 2:15 KJV).
"Ye are the salt of the earth . . . " ( Matt. 5:13 KJV ).
"Ye are the light of the world" (Matt. 5:14 KJV ).
"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 5:16 KJV ).
Even the secular world recognizes the strong effect of example. I just read one such study done at the Durnham University in the UK. There is a great concern about the rise of binge drinking among the young, ages 18 -24 year olds. According to the results of the report this binge drinking among the young is due in large part to copying effect. Most of the young people said they participated in this activity because their friends did.
It is also well-known that children tend to copy their parents social mores. It is also funny when one moves to a locale with a very distinct dialect and how quickly that dialect gets picked up by the newcomer.
So, yeah, my behavior is observed by others, even those I do not know. There is this ad on TV that shows someone doing a good deed and being observed by a stranger who also goes on and does something good - the whole "pass it on" thing. Truth is people do watch one another. Paul did well to remind us here to "behave yourselves wisely in your relations with the . . . world".
Thank You, Lord for this admonishment. I am reminded here of a childhood Sunday School song.
"This little light of mine
I am going to let it shine . . . .
Hide it under a bushel - NO!
I am going to let it shine."
All too often I don't feel like shining. This is unfortunate but it is the reality. I cannot be a bubbling brook every moment of every day. It is at these times that I need to lean on You, Lord Jesus, trusting that You will guard my speech and behavior. "Who are being guarded by God's power . . ." 1 Peter 1:5). Thank You for that.
Ditat Deus - God Enriches!
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