New Believer's Bible Sample - Flipbook - Page 39
page A41
OFF & RUNNING
When we face a situation that the Bible does not directly address, we must
consider whether or not our actions will please God. Here are some guidelines
we can apply to those uncertain areas of life.
• Could this activity cause others to stumble in their faith? see Romans 14:3-21,
page 1084
• Do I have an uneasy conscience about this activity? see Romans 14:23, page 1085
• Does this activity bring me under its power? see 1 Corinthians 6:12, page 1094
• Does this activity build me up spiritually? see 1 Corinthians 10:23, page 1101
• Do I practice what I preach? see Titus 1:16, page 1172
Conversation
As a Christian, it is extremely important to remember that you are a representative of Jesus Christ. One of the more obvious ways you represent him is through
your speech or conversations. It has been said that every person speaks about
thirty thousand words in an average day. That is a considerable amount of
representation time—especially when you consider the power of the spoken
word. With your words you have the power to build up or destroy. This should
give you even greater motivation to weigh your words before you speak them.
The Bible shares some practical advice when it comes to controlling the
tongue. Below are a few passages of Scripture to guide you in this area.
• Think before you speak see Proverbs 16:23-24, page 593
• Control your tongue see Proverbs 29:11, 20, page 605, and James 3:1-12, page 1197
• Make a habit of talking about the Lord see Malachi 3:16, page 888
• Refrain from idle talk see Matthew 12:34-37, page 909
• Encourage, praise, and build up others see 1 Thessalonians 5:11, page 1154
• Never use vulgar speech see 1 Peter 3:10, page 1202
Job Performance
Some of the greatest challenges you may ever face as a Christian will come
from the workplace. Perhaps you work in an unethical, morally questionable
environment. Maybe you find it difficult to respect your supervisors. You might
find your job tedious or meaningless. You might even wonder if you are making
an impact on your coworkers for Christ. Whatever your vocation, your work
can become more fulfilling and rewarding when you follow what the Bible has
to say about your attitude toward your job or responsibilities. Take these biblical pointers to heart, and see what a difference they will make!
• Honor Christ with your hard work see Daniel 6:1-28, page 810
• Don’t neglect your relationship with God see Luke 12:13-21, page 976
