“But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” Colossians 3:14 NKJV.
Did you know that people from different countries are known for distinctive behaviours that shape their nation’s global reputation? For example, the Japanese are known for bowing as a greeting or sign of respect, for using honorifics in their language, and for meticulous attention to customer service, which has earned them a reputation as polite and respectful people.
In the same vein, pagans who encountered the disciples of Jesus were moved to say that they were ‘Christ-like,’ a testament to the transformative power of Christ’s example (Acts 11:26). This is how the term ‘Christians’, as we know it today, came to be.
From this perspective, it is correct to say that reputation is built from conduct. Our behaviour begets our reputation. In Matthew 5:13-15, Jesus describes us as the salt of the earth, which signifies preservation, and light of the world, which represents illumination. The implication is that our conduct must stand us out from the world. Our role is to make a difference; by doing so, we point men to Christ.
In our anchor text, Paul admonishes the church in Colossae to put on love, which means to embody the qualities of love we see in scripture (Galatians 5:22). The believer’s conduct should be marked with love in words and deeds (1 John 3:18-19). Jesus, our perfect example, was known for His good deeds. He showed compassion to the sick by healing them, showed care by providing for the hungry, and mourned with those who mourned. He showed humility by washing His disciples’ feet, and Paul admonishes us to do the same by putting others before ourselves (Philippians 2:5-8).
Our conduct as believers must be evident in our love walk (Philippians 2:2-3). Apostle Paul teaches us to be mindful because our actions have a substantial impact on other believers (Romans 14:13). He knew that, despite being believers, we would encounter conflicts with one another; hence, he admonished the church in Corinth (1 Corinthians 6:2) to resolve these conflicts within themselves, bearing in mind that it is the divine destiny of believers to judge the world.
We are encouraged to actively provoke one another to do good works (Hebrews 10:24). By doing so, we set a positive example for the world. We should not allow the heathen to blaspheme the name of the Lord because of our actions. Our responsibility is great, but so is our influence.
Dear believers, let our conduct be seen as one worthy of emulation. Let us strive to be ‘Christ-like’ in all that we do, so that our actions may glorify God and lead others to Him.
Bible Reading Plan: Isaiah 62–64; Hebrews 1:1–14