How to Conduct Yourself Properly in the House of God

How to Conduct Yourself Properly in the House of God

This is where the Spirit of the fear of the Lord has to preserve us. The church has been redeemed with the precious blood of Jesus, and it must be guarded against everything that is evil, as well as against strange spirit powers. By God’s grace it is possible to be in subjection to one another in goodness, in wisdom, and in the love of Christ. In this good Spirit it is easy to receive exhortation and correction.

In John 17:8, in His high-priestly prayer, Jesus says: “I have given to them Your words which you have given Me . . . .” The Word of God was able to lead them to perfect unity and joy while respecting one another. This is genuine discipleship and brotherhood.

We are not to be double minded, but of like mind toward one another according to the example of Christ Jesus. Rom. 15:5. One cannot rely on genuineness in the brotherhood as long as one speaks with a double tongue and a double mind. The result cannot be good. There are strong people with their own opinions in such a group.

Paul exhorts the Ephesians to lead a life worthy of their calling, with all lowliness and longsuffering, bearing one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Eph. 4:1-3.

It takes a supreme effort to walk worthy of such a high and holy calling. However, it is possible to do this by coming into the body of Christ in one Spirit and in this one hope.

“Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ . . . that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel . . . .” Phil. 1:27.

In our battle to keep the church pure, we must stand firm and immovable in this one Spirit that cannot be overcome by evil. Overcome evil with good. This is possible in the Spirit of faith.

Suspicious thoughts are a dangerous weapon which the devil uses to cause strife and division. However, in God’s Word we have a victorious counter weapon, and that is the weapon of light. “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us . . . .” Deut. 29:29. We can leave the hidden things to the Lord; He is the One who judges righteously. We will soon be the cause of unrest and backbiting, if we bring up things that are not clear to us. We are the children of light, children of the day, and we can speak about whatever has been revealed to us in the light in peace and goodness, for our neighbor’s best and to God’s pleasure. Then we conduct ourselves properly in the house of God, and God will give us grace to that end if we walk humbly before Him.

“Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” Rom. 14:19. Paul was a radiant example of conducting himself properly in the house of God, and he could say to Timothy, “But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions . . . .” 2 Tim. 3:10-11. He could have continued in this vein by mentioning everything that is noble and good.

Both Paul and Timothy represented the church of the living God, which is the pillar and ground of the truth. They were worthy of their calling—not because they could speak well—but because of the life they had received grace to live, a life of humility and faithfulness.

Blessed are all those who follow such a life and such conduct in the house of God. In this house blessing and glory have been ordained forever. When it concerns the edification of the body of Christ, it is not proper to come with tedious speeches and prayers. Everything must serve for necessary edification to God’s glory.

The bonds of love in Christ bind us together, not the carnal bonds of kinship.