Code Of Behavior

“Oops!” is a common expression when caught in demented manner or activity. We dub these behaviors as misdemeanor.

Whatever organizations we are into we are bound to the what-so-called code of behavior. Different christian communities are not exempted to this code. To cite an example, men should not have long hair, women not to wear tight jeans or literally not to wear pants, not to eat certain food, and all others. I have no objection to this seemliness. I believe it serves some purpose. Maybe to show tangible difference to the world while being in this world (just like how God wants the Israelites to behave especially once already there living in the promise land-- So that the inhabitants of that land would see and know the difference of God’s people- and sometimes somehow it did not make sense to Israelites)

What concerns me is that when we already become obsess on strictly imposing this code. Focusing so much on the ethics makes us like a Pharisee in this modern age. Becoming a legalist is like squeezing to death a growing church. Instead of helping fellow believers to grow in Christ, we rather are suffocating them from stringently observing the code. By doing this, we are truly defiling Christ and his work. Doing what the bible says will not merit us anything from God. All comes from His grace even our very own salvation or strength or talents or skills. In Ephesians it says it’s a gift from God.

There’s nothing wrong with code of behavior. But to be honest, from this ethics, draws subcultures that hinder each christian from knowing God. It becomes a stumbling block for others from truly knowing the Lord. Let us understand that nothing is so much important than personally knowing (and building a relationship with Him) our Creator . I believe too (like Paul) that as God draws us near to Him we must first know Him, from knowing comes believing, from having the right knowledge of who God is, right behavior follows. It does not need to be imposed by godly people.

Notably, Rick Warren said in his Purpose Driven Life Book, the church is composed of imperfect/ sinful people. Knowing this also puts us in the position to be gracious with one another as we have experience grace from God. The church must be a venue for every christian to know their need for God, a place where they can take refuge in times of difficulty or weakness. The church must serve as an abode for every christian to be confident that they can grow in Christ not having fear to be condemned from their flaws. No code of behavior can make them experience that but only from God’s grace and mercy.

Lastly, Code of behavior is just a parcel of being a christian, it will only help others know unmistakably that we are God’s people. It should not threaten our relationship with God and with others. Obedience can not be dictated. It is a response from a plethoric graceful experience of having faith in our Creator, of loving and trusting an Awesome God back.