In I Corinthians 10:31-33 Paul gave some specific instructions to the Corinthians. He wrote, Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.  Whether one is eating or drinking or whatsoever is being done, it is to be done to the glory of God and that glory comes to God by being faithful to Jesus Christ. Paul said he didn’t seek his own profit and then gave the reason for his life in Christ. It is that many may be saved. Christians seem to forget that the only way that anyone can be saved is through their effort of preaching the gospel and that salvation is so precious that each Christian should want to give the good news to everyone.

It isn’t always spoken words, but a life that gives testimony to ones belief.  Jesus said in Matthew 5:16: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Paul told Titus 2:1-8: But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: 2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. Titus was told to speak in a manner that showed sound doctrine. The older men were to practice decorum that befits age. The older women were told to be good wives and mothers. The younger wives were to conduct themselves properly. The women were to be aware of their own behavior, and teach the younger to be sober so the word would not be ridiculed. The young men were to live in such a way that it would bring to shame to those of lesser mind for speaking untruths about those who were living faithfully.

All of the scripture examined is in harmony with Colossians 3:17. In the name of Jesus will stop drunkenness, adultery, fornication, homosexual conduct, murder, theft, lying, gossip, greed, envy, jealousy, strife and all the other acts of behavior God labels sin. And that is just what will happen if Christians will live properly in the name of Christ.  By so doing, all those with whom each Christian comes in contact who don’t know Christ will be much more likely to see the light shining as the Bible reveals.

If the world is to be changed, it has to be by those who claim Christ. He offers peace within, safety from the ravages of sin, and salvation for eternity. The world offers nothing but hate, killing, and all the other sinful acts that separate man from God. The government can’t change the heart of man which is where all the trouble resides. Only Jesus Christ who came and showed us how to live is the answer. If you want your life to change, if you want the living conditions in your family to change, if you want the neighborhood hood to change and the world to change, then show Christ in your life daily.  

Just “going to church” won’t do it but doing everything in the name of Jesus will. In the name of Christ is the new life in Christ and that is the way of the path of salvation. That faithful walk in the name of Jesus will bring the reward of eternal life. And in the process, others will want to go on the journey with you.

© 09-30-2002 DEC

Revised 08-08-2008
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