“Let no one despise your youth; instead, you should be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 (HCSB)

This week we continue examining 1 Timothy 4:12 by focusing on the area of our conduct.  The word conduct, in this context, refers to the way we live, our daily interactions with others.  Paul is advising Timothy, and us, that “our lifestyle as well as our specific behaviors must be consistent with the gospel” (Life Application New Testament Commentary).  We are called to live our public and private lives in a manner that reflects our relationship with Christ.

So, how are we to do this?

We find the “how to” in Ephesians 4:17-32 which tells us how to live the new life in Christ.  For today, let’s focus on verses 22 – 24: “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. ”  In order to reflect Christ, we must “put off” our old, sinful nature and “put on” our new nature, the righteousness of Christ.  This righteousness is given to us, not earned, when we accept Christ as our Savior.  At the moment of salvation, He takes our sins through His forgiveness and then gives us His righteousness. What a “Beautiful Exchange”! (that’s the name of a great song by Hillsong) He takes our sins and gives us His nature so we can be His representatives where ever we may be.

And why does our conduct matter?

The apostle Peter tells us why the manner in which we live is important: “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.  But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:14-16, NIV).  Our conduct is to be like God’s – holy. Did you notice that the verse says to be holy “in all you do”? Not most things, but in all things???  You’re probably thinking the same thing I’m thinking, “That’s impossible!”  But here’s the beautiful part – all things are possible with God, even living a life of holiness.

We can live a life of holiness when we, moment by moment, choose to act like our new self, the redeemed one, instead of our old self, the condemned one.  We can live this way only through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit – which is another gift from Christ to us at the moment of salvation.  Jesus not only saves us but He empowers us to live saved!

Our behavior matters.  Others are watching us.  As Christians we are all called to live holy in all areas of our lives.  At church. At work. At home. In good times and bad.  We are to demonstrate the love of Christ in all things.  And by His Spirit, we can.