Rules of Conduct
Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel. Philippians 1:27
We often fight against the term “rules”. Rules are a set of “don’ts”. They are seen negatively, and many people spend a great deal of time trying to figure out how to get away without obeying them. We have rules at the workplace…be on time, work while you are there, don’t cheat and don’t be lazy. We have rules at home…don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink, don’t spend more than your paycheck, pay your bills and turn off the lights. We have rules while driving…don’t break the speed limit, don’t run a red light and use your blinker. I tell the kids often that we have rules to keep us safe. Our parents may have the rule to stop using technology after 30 minutes. It is not necessarily because they care about the apps being played but because research tells us that too much technology is harmful to the brain function in kids. They may say, “don’t run”, not because they don’t want you to have fun because they don’t want you to fall down and get hurt. Rules are set for our health and safety out of love.
But instead of looking at rules as a set of “don’ts”, I want to examine the above verse, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. You see, what we say and how we act is a measuring stick for how others see the gospel of Christ. Our behavior and words are a sign of respect and honor or they will be disrespect and dishonor.
What are the rules of conduct for honor?
1. Show honor by being on time. The worship team, church leaders and Pastor have prayerfully prepared but most importantly, the Holy Spirit has been invited into the house. He is there waiting for you to show up.
2. Show honor by being attentive. Once again, God is there for you and so is everyone else. Pay attention to what He is wanting you to learn. Don’t be a distraction for someone else who is listening and seeking God’s Will.
3. Show honor by praying before you come. Be ready for the move of the Holy Spirit. Be in the right place spiritually with your mind on the things of God.
4. Show honor by helping to keep God’s house clean and neat. His house is not your trash can or a restaurant. Clean up after yourself and don’t let your drinks distract you from what God has for you.
5. Show honor by silencing your cell phone, stop going in and out and avoid conversations that distract you and those around you. God is talking. Are you listening?
6. Show honor by dressing appropriately. This is God’s house. He is in the room. The supreme power, the One True God, Holy of Holies, God Almighty. He is more powerful than the president and His house is more important than a castle. Treat it with respect and give Him your best.
7. Bring your children, your family and your friends. The best place to praise, pray, learn and get help is in the House of God. You honor God by your presence.
It is your choice to honor God with the “Rules of Conduct”. God sees our every move, knows our every thought and hears our every word. How we act and what we say, in and out of His House matters. I know you have heard the old saying, “actions speak louder than words”. Let your actions and your words be honoring to the gospel and to God wherever you are. Let’s stand firm, be of one mind and strive together for the faith of the gospel.
Pastor Julia Scott