DAILY HOPE DEVOTIONALS: SEPTEMBER 4 CHRISTIANS AND INDECENCY (1) SCRIPTURE: PHILIPPIANS 4: 8; EZEKIEL 23: 21; EPHESUS 5: 4
One group of people the entire world looks on to, for good behaviours, faultless lifestyles and good moral life standard are the Christians. The opinion of greater number of peoples of the world on Christians is that, they are not to do anything bad, as small as it may be. Reason when any Christian misbehaves on the contrary, people around would say: “But I think you are a Christians?” Besides living in holiness and righteously, a Christian is expected to be modest in dressing, very truthful in talking, one not given to vile speech, returning blow for blow, known for indebtedness and many others. What this is pointing to is that Christians are to be known for decency in everything. The world does not believe that her certain ways of life not in consonance with the teachings of Jesus Christ can rub on Christians. The think Christians are not supposed to do what it does no matter what. Today’s devotional is looking towards why Christians should not be caught up with any act of indecency.
A passage in the Bible says: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things” (Philippians 4: 8 NIV). By application, Christians are not to think of anything about what is considered unchristian attitude so as to doing it. We will extend the thrust of this devotional to general decency in living first. Indecent behaviour is not all about immoral behaviour. Indecency involves any act that conflicts with moral life standard. A Christian seen in public restaurant eating, salivating and pouring upon self soup or stew is guilty of “indecent eating habit.” Morality is all about principle of considering right and wrong or right and wrong behaviour. Christian quarrelling or boasting or insulting people publicly is not behaving decently.
In the early years appearing in shabby dressing, unwashed trousers or skirts was considered indecent. A young boy or girl with interest of pepping to see the father or mother’s nakedness is involving in indecent behaviour. The Bible sees caressing and kissing girls’ breast as indecent behaviour. Hear the Bible: “So you longed for the lewdness of your youth, when in Egypt your bosom was caressed and your young breasts fondled” (Ezekiel 23: 21). The word “lewdness involved ‘obscene behaviour’ and not restricted to offensive sexual behaviour. In the days holiness is preached in churches, filthy and silly talks, reckless jokes were considered indecency amongst Christians (Ephesians 5: 4). This devotional believed that anything done against God’s moral standard is indecent behaviour and Christians should avoid them as much as possible.
PRAYER:
Blessed Holy Spirit, you are the greatest teacher I have as Christian. You know what offends God and Jesus Christ. Teach me things that are indecent living standard and grace me with ability to avoid them in Jesus name.
bishopubaudenyi@hopealivechurch
