Guidelines For Godly Living

by Micky Galloway

In Philippians 2:14-16, the apostle Paul said, “Do all things without murmurings and questionings: that ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye are seen as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life; that I may have whereof to glory in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain neither labor in vain.” Paul emphasizes the importance of our example before others. There is admittedly much hypocrisy in religion, many desiring a religion of convenience and little or no commitment or conviction. Here are some guidelines that perhaps will help us to live a life that is more consistent and more appealing to others to follow the teaching of Christ.

1. Always follow the plain commandments or clear teachings of God’s word. Never do things that contradict the Bible. There are many things that are questionable actions. Many say, “Yes I know the Bible says this, but what about …” Many are always trying to find an exception to the plain truths stated in the Bible. If one will obey all that he clearly understands, it will eliminate much difficulty. We are to avoid sin, not making provisions for such. “And this, knowing the season, that already it is time for you to awake out of sleep: for now is salvation nearer to us than when we (first) believed. The night is far spent, and the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk becomingly, as in the day; not in revelling and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and jealousy. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to (fulfil) the lusts (thereof)” (Romans 13:11-14; cf. II Timothy 2:22; James 4:7). It should never be the desire of any Christian to see how close to the line he can get without crossing over.


2. Always act in good conscience. Never violate your conscience or cause someone else to violate his. “If our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knowest all things” (I John 3:20-21; cf. I Corinthians 8:9-13; 10:28-33). The Bible impresses upon us the importance of a good conscience. However, a good conscience alone is not enough. Paul acted in good conscience while persecuting Christians (Acts 23:1). A conscience must be properly trained with the truth of God’s word.


3. Always do that which encourages righteousness. Never condone or do that which encourages wickedness or error. John taught that some were going beyond “the doctrine of Christ.” Others were to “receive him not … for he that giveth him greeting partaketh in his evil works” (II John 9-11). It is not easy to be different, yet that is what a Christian must be. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, (which is) your spiritual service. And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1-2). I must not go along with, contribute to, participate in, or in any way condone or encourage that which is sinful and wrong. Paul wrote concerning the Judaizing teachers, “to whom we gave place in the way of subjection, no, not for an hour” (Galatians 2:5). There was no toleration of error.


4. Always correct mistakes as soon as possible. Never allow mistakes to drag on. It may become too late to correct them. It is essential when something is wrong in my life; if there is something wrong between my brother and me (Matthew 5:23ff; 18:15ff), and certainly if sin is separating me from God, then I must fix that. It is urgent that we resolve these problems. If not, they grow and result in greater problems. The small flame becomes a giant forest fire because the little spark wasn’t quenched in the beginning. Many suppose that with time sin is forgotten. These willfully forget that sin must be repented of to be forgiven. Only then do we save a soul from death. The soul we save may be our own (James 5:19-20).


5. Always maintain your good name or influence. Never, for a moments pleasure, risk your good name. “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches and loving favor rather than silver and gold” (Proverbs 22:1). It is often heard, “I don’t care what they think, I’ll do as I please.” These indicate they just don’t care. However, a Christian must care because his influence is at stake. “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do (men) light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house. Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16).


6. Always exercise patience and self-control. Never allow yourself to become agitated or pressured to act in an irrational manner. I Thessalonians 5:14 admonishes us to be patient toward all men.


7. Always stand humbly and boldly for your convictions. Never be ashamed of Christ or his church. One of the overwhelming plagues of our society is a lack of conviction and a tendency to compromise. Most people are not willing to stand for anything. We must have convictions that are founded on God’s word. “… But sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord: being ready to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear” (I Peter 3:15). Paul warned the Ephesians, “Be not children tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14). Know what you believe and be prepared to stand (cf. Ephesians 6:10ff).


8. Always put yourself in the background, carefully guarding your speech. Never build yourself up at another’s expense. Paul wrote, “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:6). Proverbs 8:13 says, “The fear of Jehovah is to hate evil: Pride, and arrogancy , and the evil way, And the perverse mouth, do I hate.” Also, “to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think …” (Romans 12:3). “Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; A stranger, and not thine own lips” (Proverbs 27:2).


9. Always put God first. Never try to give God second place. Many are not serious about their service to God. These are playing religion and are deceiving themselves. Jesus said, “But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness …” (Matthew 6:33). Please be reminded that God will not take second place. It’s first place or nothing with God.

Perhaps these guidelines will help us as we “press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).