1 Timothy 4:12 “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”.
Are you a new believer who just gave his life to Christ and you’re asking the important question: what is expected of me as a believer?
Are you really bothered about your past way of doing things and you’re so eager to learn the Christian code of conduct?
This article is what you need. It will help you realize that much more than the things you say it’s important to behave in a way that is godly at all times in order to recognized as a Christian.
For example, 1st Corinthians 13 tells us that even if we speak in tongues, understand prophecies or work miracles without having the true essence of Christianity; love, then all our giftings and talents are worth nothing.
Also John 3:16 helps us to further understand that the main factor that gave birth to Christianity is love. God loved us so much that He chose to give up his only begotten son for the salvation of mankind,
Hence as a new believer you must first appreciate the love of God for you, and choose to love Him back, so by the reason of your love for God, you must be conscious about living right, that is, living in a way that pleases God daily for the scripture says the best way to show your love for God is by obeying His command (John 14:15)
The attributes of Christianity as discussed in this article will not only help you to be a good Christian but will also help you establish and maintain good relationships.
The following are the attributes of a good Christian, these are ways you are expected to behave as a Christian brother or sister.
1. You Must Fear God And Obey Him Always
(Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding)
This is the first thing that helps you stand out from an unbeliever. As a true believer it must be seen in your actions that you have reverence for God and you must make conscious effort to obey His commands, in the areas where you’re struggling to obey God, ensure to ask for His grace to pull through (2 Corinthians 12:9) and He shall make all grace abound to you in Jesus name
2. Love God And Obey Him:
(1 John 5:3- For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous).
Love for God is a important part of been a Christian, as a matter of fact, it’s a major part of your Christian journey, imagine you giving your all to a person who in turn backstabs you, it feels really awful right? God gave us His only begotten son; Jesus Christ when we don’t deserve it, so the least we can do is to reciprocate His love for us, simply by spreading the Love of God to others (this can be done by preaching the Word of God to sinners and choosing to show kindness to even the undeserving). This way God is pleased with us (Romans 5:8)
3. Be Humble And Teachable
(Matthew 11:29-30 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls)
As a new believer you’re on a new journey and you need humility and a teachable spirit to learn how to remain in faith and to grow in your spiritual journey, you will come across lots of godly teachers who will attempt to lead you in the way of righteousness,
you need humility to accept these godly teachings and they will help you move forward In life, also when studying the Word of God, you may come across some lessons that will go against what you’ve known to be right all your life, you need a teachable spirit to accept the Word of God into your heart (Hebrews 3:8).
4. Avoid Pretense Rather Be Honest And Eschew Evil
(Romans 12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good)
There are many who give in to pretense because it’s the easy way out, but the bible discourages that, as much as you’re required to be humble, kind and considerate, ensure to eschew evil and don’t pretend when you come across something which is clearly evil, avoid bad company and ensure to be in sync with the Holy Spirit of God always (John 14:26)
5. Be At Peace With Everyone
(Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men).
This is a very simple and straightforward instruction, though the application seems otherwise, as a Christian, you are required by God to live at peace with everyone, you will indeed need the grace of God to do this, therefore ensure to ask for grace everyday so you can achieve this feat.
6. Forgive Relentlessly
(Matthew 18:21-22 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven).
This is another simple instruction that is not so easy to apply, Christ instructs us to forgive seventy times seven times daily! Not weekly, not monthly, what this simply interprete is that you must forgive relentlessly, will people hurt you? Of course yes, will they deliberately say things against you be cause you’re a Christian, sure they will, but Christ says you must forgive daily. One of the benefits of forgiving others is that you will have peace of mind, and your prayers will not be hindered.
(Matthew 5:23)
7. Be Punctual In Church Or Fellowships:
(Hebrews 10:25- Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching).
8. Speak Positively Always
( James 3:13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.)
9. Preach The Gospel Of Christ:
(Mark 16:15- And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature)
10. Pray Without Ceasing
(1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing)
As a Christian you will face challenges in life, that will want to compete with your faith or distract you from your journey of salvation but God has given us power to thread upon all the works of the enemy already,
A major way of exercising this power is through prayers, as Christians we are not trained to fight physical battles of confronting the enemies but we are taught to use a more powerful weapon to fight the adversary and that weapon is Prayer. (2 Corinthians 10:4)
