CHRISTIAN – DO WHAT IS HONOURABLE

Being a Christian is no small and ordinary thing. We are the children of the Most High God. We are the followers, disciples and ambassadors of the LORD God Almighty. Do we even realise what it means, to be in such a position of privilege? Especially, when we have not earned it, but are by the grace and mercy of God, saved to be in such a position? How should we be living our lives, whether we are individuals, groups, organisations and nations who claim to be Christian? This is the million dollar question.

Paul writing to the Church at Corinth, has some precise words, though written in a different context, but as a principle for our lives, it is apt and appropriate in this context too.
– “21 for we aim at what is honourable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man.” – 2 Corinthians 8:21 [ESV]
– “21 For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.”* – 2 Corinthians 8:21 [NIV]
– “21 For we have regard for what is honourable [and above suspicion], not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.” – 2 Corinthians 8:21 [Amplified Bible]

The above words of Paul should pierce our hearts, and its light should enable us to evaluate ourselves, as to how we are conducting our lives in this world? The way we conduct our lives, is an indication of who we are, and what is important for us. Everything that we think, speak and do, should be approved by God, our LORD and Master; and also, considered honourable and right by our fellow human beings in general.
– “52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” – Luke 2:52
– “16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
– “11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” – 1 Peter 2:11-12

Living an honourable life, which is approved by God, and accepted and appreciated by the world, is an indication of our moral and ethical position and standards. Our conduct is a measure of our integrity, morality and ethical stand and standard.
– “…the importance of integrity and accountability in Christian conduct…underscores the necessity of being diligent in [our] ethical behaviour…The early church faced scrutiny from both Jewish and Gentile communities, making it crucial for leaders like Paul to demonstrate moral uprightness. This commitment to righteousness is a reflection of the character of Jesus Christ, who lived a life without sin (Hebrews 4:15).” – Berean Study Bible Notes

In the post-truth world, facts and figures do not matter anymore. They have become, in fact, irrelevant to us. They don’t fit the bill, our narrative, and thus, they are irrelevant  The narrative and the propaganda, is all what counts. It is a perfect fit for a world where what others think and say about us, doesn’t matter at all. This is so because, all that matters is “what I say, and what I believe.” We are now truly the gods that Lucifer talked about in the Garden of Eden. This conduct is one such manifestation of being our own gods, not needing our Creator, to approve us and our conduct. 
– “4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” – Genesis 3:4-5

Welcome to a life in the post-facts world, where cheating, lying and manipulation is considered merely a means to the end. What a tragedy. The question for us is, How are we doing? What standards are we upholding? What about the LORD’s opinion about us? What about those around us? What do they say about us? Do they appreciate us and our moral and ethical standards we uphold? Let us “DO WHAT IS HONOURABLE” in the sight of God and man. Think about it dear Christian. Even so the LORD help us.