This passage continues to describe Christlike conduct and character for those who wish to call themselves followers of God.
“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.” (v7-10)
I have heard and seen many Christ followers who could be described as ‘hypocrites’ – people who lack integrity, not having cohesion between their stated beliefs and their conduct. The second part of the passage describes how we are to serve God, as ‘bondservants’ – those who have the free will to choose the course of their lives, yet choose to wholly serve God for their remaining days.
A lack of integrity, and a lack of submission, can cause a lot of confusion, unnecessary pain, disorientation, and frustration in a Christ follower – I would know because I’ve lacked both of these things in the past, and still do from time to time.
The great news is, God has given us His Holy Spirit to help with both of these problems. The Spirit grows fruit within us, helping us become people of integrity, while simultaneously guiding us in alignment with God’s will (helping us be bondservants).
My biggest challenge in this is surrender – humbly allowing the Spirit to mold, shape and guide me is often easier said than done; perhaps you have a similar experience. When we are prideful (hard-hearted), we resist the work of the Spirit, and when we are surrendered, He can work freely within us.
I encourage each of us (including me) to surrender to God daily so that He may work in our hearts. We can simply acknowledge that He is the all-powerful sovereign God, Lord of our lives, and that our desire is to serve Him (be bondservants). Confession of sin and brokenness are also helpful in this process and further humble us. When we surrender, we are putting ourselves at God’s mercy and command, allowing Him to rule our lives (instead of our flesh, worldly desires, and sinful tendencies calling the shots).
Father God, our Glorious and Magnificent, All-Power Lord, holy, awesome and mighty is Your name. We praise You for the gift of Your Spirit, who teaches and guides us. We acknowledge we are broken, foolish, and flawed people who are in desperate need of forgiveness and guidance. Please pour out Your power and will in our lives, helping us to be your bondservants. May we remain humble and fully rely on You for everything. We kneel at Your sovereign feet, giving You all glory, honor and power, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training