In Conduct
Paul says to Timothy "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct." (1 Timothy 4:12)
Do you conduct yourself in a way that sets an example for other Christians?
I have often heard people share about how they grew up in a home where they went to church, but didn't see Christian conduct at home. Church or Christianity was just the thing to do, but it didn't actually impact the way their family lived their lives.
Oh, may that not be said of you and me! Let us be people whose conduct matches the faith we align ourselves with.
A Poem to Convict the Heart
Here's a poem written by Benjamin Hopkins which might just convict you as you hear or read it today:
Has someone seen Christ in you today?
The little things that you've done or said—
Christian, look into your heart, I pray;
Did they accord with the way you prayed?
Have your thoughts been pure, your words been kind?
Have you sought to have the Savior's mind?
The World, with its criticising view,
Has watched—but did it see Christ in you?
Has someone seen Christ in you today?
Christian, look well to your path, I pray.
Has it led you close to the Father's throne,
Farther away from the tempting one?
Have your feet on errands of love been bent?
Or on selfish deeds your strength been spent?
Has a wandering soul, with hope born new,
Found the Lord Christ through following you?
Has someone seen Christ in you today?
Christian, look into your life I pray;
There are aching hearts and blighted souls,
Being lost on sin's destructive shoals,
And perhaps of Christ their only view
May be what of Him they see in you.
Will they see enough to bring hope and cheer?
Look to your light! Does it shine out clear?
Has someone seen Christ in you today?
O Christian, be careful, watch and pray;
Look up to Jesus in faith and then
Lift up unto Him your fellow men;
On your own strength you cannot rely;
There's a fount of grace and strength on high;
Go to that fount and your strength renew,
And the life of Christ will shine through you.
