A Godly Example

I. The Bible clearly teaches that we will be judged by our actions. Revelation 20:12 tells of judgment where ”…I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.” The books (Old Testament and New Testament) reveal the standard of what we must do in order to please Him (2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Peter 1:3). Paul clearly links our actions to eternal punishment or reward (Romans 2:6-11 - note the variations of ” do” and its direct relationship to the results). Jesus says that we will even be called into judgment for every careless word (Matthew 12:36). What we do and say impacts our eternal life.

II. Our actions also enrich our earthly life and the lives of others. I think the scripture makes it clear that God does not want us to only live holy lives to prepare for a grand accounting, but rather to share in His holiness and to be like His righteous Son. Jesus lived the life of a servant and had a tremendous impact on the lives of those He touched. When we live like Him, we will make our world a better place.

III. When you are young your example can influence young and old. Young people who stand against the filthy and impure activities common with ” sins of youth” may embolden other young people to make the tough decision to life holy in an ungodly world (Titus 2:11-14). Their righteousness encourages older Christians who are distressed with the wickedness they see in so many youth. Young people living active Christian lives make choices they can be proud of throughout their lives. I have talked with so many people who lived with much shame and regret for time spent in youthful lusts and opportunities to serve God that were squandered so they could wallow in the mud.

IV. Peter’s Actions at the trial of Jesus: Recently studied

V. Aaron Beard: “Does Your Facebook Activity Betray You?”

VI. Does Peter’s behavior during the trials of Jesus shock you? Perhaps it should, but considering the behavior of those who profess to follow Christ today, the less surprising his actions are. When around the world, it is not uncommon for Christians to either hide their faith or to behave in such a way that their actions betray them. One place where such contradictory behavior and speech is common is the internet networking blog called Facebook. Facebook can be a usefultool to glorify the Lord and spiritual things. This is very refreshing, especially with the sinful garbage that dominates the internet. But sadly, the Facebook activity of some who are supposed to be Christians does more to glorify sin and this world. Some profess to be Christians, while their Facebook activity tells a much different story. Whether we realize it or not, what we do on Facebook speaks volumes about us. When you look at a person’s profile, pictures, updates, and comments you learn much about their life – their family, job, hobbies, dislikes, food preferences, daily activities, goals, dreams, relationships, and so much more. So if a person is trying to please God, would that also not be evident in the things they do on Facebook? It must be! Paul writes, ” If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:1-4). If this is true of us, Jesus will permeate all aspects of our life. This would certainly include what we do on Facebook.

VII. Consider some ways people who profess to follow Christ can be betrayed by their Facebook activity. Some will post pictures of themselves and others in clothing that is immodest. Personally speaking, I have been saddened and even sickened by having to see way too much of some of my friends who are supposed to be Christians. Our clothing should be consistent with that of a person confessing godliness with good works (1 Timothy 2:10). Based on some people’s pictures on Facebook, they are certainly professing something but it sure isn’t godliness! Occasionally you will find posts to links forvideos that are unrighteous in nature. Many times the video is supposed to be funny, but its humor comes from sinful behavior or speech. Have we forgotten the admonition, ” Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good” (Romans 12:9)? It is also fairly common to see people using language that is ungodly. Sometimes it is suggestive words about a person’s picture, sometimes it is a vulgar joke, and sometimes it is the use of profanity or euphemisms. Perhaps one wouldn’t dare type a curse word or take God’s name in vain, but they will use abbreviations like ” omg” and evenworse without a second thought. Paul writes, ” Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving” (Ephesians 5:4). There are some who would not do any of these things, but they show their approval of those who do. On Facebook you can leave comments under people’s posts and pictures as well as clicking that you ” like” something posted. Perhaps what we really need is a ” dislike” option! Remember how Peter’s speech betrayed him, making it impossible to hide that he was really one of Jesus’ disciples? Christians need to carefully consider if their Facebook activity betrays their confession of faith and fellowship with Jesus.

VIII.

IX. Our lives will be examined by God and everything is open to Him: Hebrews 4:11-13

X. Our lives will be examined by unbelievers to determine whether we are living consistent with our profession of godliness: 1 Peter 2:11-12

XI. How will our lives live up to the examination?

XII. Every television viewing night is filled with dramas and real life accounts of crime investigations and court trials to determine if someone is guilty or innocent of a crime. Investigators will painstakingly study crime scenes for the least bit of information that might be helpful in a case. Judges and juries consider evidence presented before them to see if the facts support a guilty or innocent judgment. Sometimes the evidence overwhelmingly supports a judgment whereas judges must dismiss some cases due to insufficient evidence supporting a charge.

XIII. Many years ago, I saw a poster that said, “If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” This is a sobering thought for anyone to consider for we will all stand before God on the Day of Judgment to give an account of our lives, Romans 14:12. It is better to judge ourselves now and make necessary changes to our lives than for God to condemn us as unprepared on Judgment Day.

XIV. If investigators were to interview your family, co-workers, friends, and neighbors, what type of assessment would they make? Would they describe you as a loving, caring, and honest individual with strong moral values who serves others and honors God? Would they recount instances where you have helped and comforted others, lived by godly principles and taught them to others, and would not compromise your convictions for any reason?

XV. Would they laugh at your claim to be a child of God and recount many instances of an uncontrolled temper, foul language, dirty jokes, lying, and other improper behavior? During Jesus’ trial when Peter was accused of being a disciple, he cursed and swore to prove that he did not follow Jesus, Matthew 26:74. Peter apparently convinced the crowd with his behavior. What has your behavior taught others about your allegiance?

XVI. Would they be surprised at your claim to be a Christian since you never indicated your allegiance one way or another? I remember seeing a cartoon several years ago where a college girl was talking to her mother before leaving for school. Her mother was concerned for her daughter’s reputation but the daughter comforted her with the words, “Don’t worry mother. I won’t let anyone know I’m a Christian.”

XVII. Would the testimony of your family and acquaintances cause you to be condemned as a Christian? Would you be free since your behavior is obviously not Christian? Would the judge drop the charges since there was insufficient evidence to determine the truth?

XVIII. What if, like the many television reality shows, you had cameras and microphones in your house. Would the investigation yield information to commend or condemn you?

XIX. Would the investigation find you taking time to study God’s word and praying fervently (Daniel 6:10-12)? Would the investigators see you treating your spouse (or parents) with love, dignity, and respect? Would they see you rearing your children according to godly principles, taking time to teach them the importance of serving God and instilling the love of God in their hearts (Ephesians 6:4; Deuteronomy 6:6-9)? Would they find your temper in control, your language edifying, and the mind of Christ in which you esteem and serve others (Philippians 2:1-4)?

XX. Would they find you demeaning your spouse and children? Would they see a Bible that remains closed between church services and days passing without prayer? Would they find you watching offensive programming on the television or viewing pornographic material on the Internet? Would they hear vulgar or hateful language spew from your mouth directed at your spouse, children, or parents? Would they witness mental or physical abuse? Would they see someone who is only concerned for material things and has no concern for the work of the Lord?

XXI. What would the jury decide after seeing the evidence from your home surveillance? Would they determine that you are indeed a Christian for your most private and public moments betray your heart? Would they conclude that you do make some errors but you quickly try to rectify them and you pray to God for forgiveness so you must certainly be a Christian?

XXII. Would the jury decide that you are not a Christian because, although you claim to be a Christian, your speech and actions betray your heart? On the other hand, would the judge drop the charges because your home life does not support or dispute your accusation as a Christian?

XXIII. We will be on trial one day. You will have to answer for every idle word spoken and every action taken in the presence of a judge who has perfect knowledge. Will the assessment be that you were a Christian, you sinned at times but you sought forgiveness from God and walked in the light? Will God condemn you because you knew what to do but did not do it? Read 2 Corinthians 13:5 Judge yourself now before it is too late.