What is a Code of Conduct

As you study the Bible you will see that all the great men and women of God formed personal codes by which they lived. Psalm 101 is a perfect example wherein David states what he will and will not do, saying:

“I will sing of loving kindness and justice.”

“I will give heed to the blameless way.”

“I will walk within my house in the integrity of my heart.”

“I will set no worthless thing before my eyes.”

“I will know no evil.” (vv 1-4)

He makes it personal using the expression, “I will” thus showing his conviction and resolution. No wonder he was a man after God’s own heart. Only when he violated his own code of conduct did he get into trouble.

Others who had a personal code of conduct would include Joshua who said, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15) and Peter who declared, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Job made a covenant with his eyes that he would not gaze at a virgin (Job 31:1) and Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or wine (Dan. 1:8). Paul coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothes (Acts 20:33) but allowed others to make a living from the gospel (1 Cor. 9:14). All were men of strong convictions who lived out what they believed.

Every follower of Christ needs to do the same. Not only is it important for you to know what you believe (doctrine) but it is also important for you to know how God wants you to behave (conduct). Begin to form your own code of conduct. Write down in your Bible what you will and will not do and then stick to it. If you read in the Bible, “Let him who steals, steal no longer” (Eph. 4:28) write down next to it, “I will not take what does not belong to me.” You will find that your own convictions will grow stronger and your character will develop. In essence a code of conduct says, “This is what I believe, so this is what I will do.”