Pattern of Behaviour

UV 2817/10000 Pattern of Behaviour
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
I Timothy 4 v 12

Believers in Christ are called to be in all things a pattern or a model of good behaviour, good words and good works. We are to be first of all an example to fellow believers and a testimony to unbelievers in our speech pattern. Most of the strife in modern day life, in homes and as well as the workplace and in the streets is due to a wrong word spoken. Our words are not only to be measured but to be spoken with the meekness of wisdom at all times. Our tongues and mouths are not mixed springs with both poison water and wholesome water but a pure spring of wholesome water. Silence should be preferred to thoughtless words. We should invite the Holy Spirit to take control of our mouths and tongues. Our goal should be what St James exhorted us to do: to have perfect control over our speech just as a good rider completely controls the horse he rides and makes it go only in the direction and at the pace he wants depending on the terrain. Our words should not be harmful but helpful, wholesome, encouraging, not blaming but appreciative of the good we see in others. Our speech is to be used not to create doubt and strife but to build the faith of people in God and the good things of life.

We should be known not only for good words but for our good works. We should reach out to the needy with generous help. When people see the good works we do, they will praise and thank the Lord. We become the hands of the Lord to help and bless others. Manifesting or demonstrating the selfless love of Jesus to others is our chief motivation. We should be free from a sense of envy and consider the interests of others at least as important as ours. Kindness should be the hallmark of our behaviour. Our pattern of behaviour should measure up to the characteristics of love that are described in I Corinthians chapter 13 by St Paul.
Regardless of what we have done or achieved, we should continually humble ourselves before the Lord, knowing that we live and move and exist only in Him. Zeal to know the Lord and make Him known through our lives should drive us to diligently study the Word and and put into practice what we learn therein. Our faith should not flag or fluctuate in good times or bad times but be consistent and continually growing. Purity of motives, of thoughts and desires should underlie all that we think, say and do. These traits or pattern of behaviour are the attributes of Jesus and we should reflect it in our lives whether we are young or old, all through our lives.

Prateep V Philip