How Important is Conduct?


Throughout Scripture one theme is the same - if you faithfully follow the Lord's commandments your life will be blessed. God has prepared many good things for those who love Him. He created the Garden of Eden, the Promised Land, and Paradise. All were made for man and his enjoyment if only man would obey the Lord and do things His way. God also designed the family, society and the church for man to enjoy but these too come with divine guidelines as to how God desires man to live and conduct himself. Fortunately God has given us the Holy Scriptures to read and meditate on so we can know His will. Blessed is the man who seeks the Lord and walks in His path. The Bible says, “He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers” (Ps. 1:3).

Unfortunately many do not follow God's plan for their lives and suffer the consequences. Satan and one third of the angels rebelled against God and were thrown out of heaven (Rev. 12:4). Adam and Eve disobeyed and were driven from the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:24). God’s people turned to other gods and were exiled from the Promised Land (Dan. 1:1). The Apostle Paul removed from the church those who practiced wickedness (1 Cor. 5:13). And there will be those who will not be in the Holy City because of their immorality (Rev. 22:15). Jesus warned of this. In the parable of the ten virgins half of those who were looking for the Lord’s return were left behind. Even though they cried, “Lord, Lord” they had no oil and did not shine (Mt. 25:1-13). In the Sermon on the Mount there were also those who cried, “Lord, Lord” but Jesus said, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness” (Mt. 7:23).

Clearly how one conducts himself is important. It can either bring blessings or curses, both in this life and the life to come. Jesus said you can judge a tree by its fruit (Mt. 7:20). If you love the Lord you will bear good fruit.

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