“If the human race wishes to have a prolonged and indefinite period of material prosperity, they have only got to behave in a peaceful and helpful way toward one another." —Winston Churchill, British Prime Minister
BEHAVE! This is a word most of us associate with our childhood. It was usually said in the imperative as a threat or an enticement toward proper action. So this word could possibly be a trigger for some. BEHAVE means to act or conduct oneself in a specified way, especially toward others, or in accordance with the accepted norms of a society or group. Since the connotation of behave can evoke difficult memories, perhaps it is a word that needs redemption. BEHAVIOR is the way in which a person acts in response to a particular situation or stimulus.
Leadership guru Stephen Covey asserts above that bad behavior can lead to negative, irretrievable consequences. That might mean it's possibly true that good behavior can result in blessings with positive, lasting benefits. Whether we're talking about physical or spiritual fitness, handling money, or having good relationships; we can behave into or out of a variety of circumstances. At times when we 'don't feel like' doing the right thing, we can behave our way there. Author James Clear in his book Atomic Habits (video summary attached), suggests that small changes in our behavior can change the trajectory of our lives. Do you remember a parent, teacher, or coach saying, if you stop talking about what you're going to do...and ACT or BEHAVE as if it's so...those good feelings you desire will come.
Paul, in Colossians 3 details how Christ followers hold personal responsibility before the LORD to BEHAVE like Jesus:
5So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.
10Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.12Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
BEHAVE YOUR WAY THERE... | 
No comments:
Post a Comment