Does Your Conduct Accurately Reflect Your Faith?

In recent posts I have been critical of the behavior of the Republican candidates running for President. But last night something occurred that you don’t hear very often.

A politician apologized. Acknowledged he was wrong. And vowed to change.

Senator Marco Rubio admitted to Fox’s Megyn Kelly that he regretted his recent personal attacks on front-runner Donald Trump. “I’d do it differently. I really would.”

Rubio had mocked the size of Trump’s hands and by innuendo other parts of his body. In tweets he had made fun of his spray tan and his poor spelling.

The Senator admitted that his attacks embarrassed his children and that his wife didn’t like it. He said, “I don’t think it reflects good. That’s not who I am.” Then Marco told Megyn and the audience in suburban Miami, “Honestly, I want to be a good example. I want my kids to be proud of me and I don’t think it reflected well on my faith.”

I don’t know Senator Rubio. I meet him once in Florida. He seems like a decent fellow. And many who do know him well, were disappointed in his recent remarks. One observer remarked that his words and actions seemed “out of character.”

Now, this is not an endorsement for the Senator. But Rubio’s remarks reminded me of an exhortation to Christians by the apostle Paul. “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Phil. 1:27).

Ironically the Greek verb translated “conduct” is related to our English word politics. It is politeuomai. Warren Wiersbe says it means “to behave the way citizens are supposed to behave.” Christians must do more than “talk the talk, we must walk the walk.” Our conduct should be compatible with our citizenship in Christ’s Kingdom.

Wiersbe was right when he wrote, “The most important weapon against the enemy is not a stirring sermon or a powerful book; it is the consistent life of believers.”

Our speech says something about who we are. Foul language, crude jokes, sexual innuendoes should not characterize the language of Christ’s disciples. It is unbecoming of Believers. Out of character. And does not reflect well on our faith.

Jesus said, “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, or by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matt 12:36-37)

It’s easy to criticize Rubio for his admitted error in judgment. He’s speaking on a national stage for the world to hear. But what about you and me? What example are we setting in our homes before our families? Would we be embarrassed to have our words and actions broadcast for all the world to see and hear?

It would be well for each of us to ask: “Does my conduct reflect well on my faith?”

Is my dress becoming to the gospel of Christ?

Are my choices of entertainment appropriate for a professed Christian?

Do my attitudes and actions properly display the spirit of Jesus to my co-workers, friends, family, and fellow believers?

Is my reading material reflective of the faith I espouse?

Is my life making my kids proud of me? And my husband or wife happy?

More importantly, is the Lord pleased with my behavior?

If any of the questions elicit a negative response, then admission, confession and change would be appropriate for us as well.

“Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” (I Pet. 2:12)

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman