A true Christian life is based upon a relationship with Jesus Christ. He came to earth and lived thirty three years in human form. He had lived a lifestyle of complete holiness, obedience to our heavenly Father and showed love to humanity around him. He had also lived a life of very high ethical standard that we have come to learn, appreciate and follow. This standard comes from unity with the heavenly Father which is done by constant prayer and being fervent in carrying out the Father’s will.
As society evolves through different eras, there are those who are considered as elites in society that spend their time to discuss many thoughts as pertaining to moral living. They are call philosophers or thinkers, who have carved out ideas through thoughts or ethical thinking for the premise of human values, governance and moral living. According to yourdictionary.com, ethics is defined as a moral philosophy or code of morals practiced by a person or group of people. An example of ethics is a the code of conduct set by a business. Many of these philosophers became writer of their own thought and their writings are attributed to them. Some of these thoughts even become subjects of studies throughout many educational institutions worldwide. Some branches of philosophy from an ethical standpoint are called business ethics, political philosophy, logic and many more
We have the Christian ethical standard which are a set of moral principles fused in the Bible as a guideline for Christians, based on the lifestyle and teachings of Jesus Christ.
Jesus had trained His disciples throughout the years but they need more power to walk in the capacity of the displayed ethical practice of Jesus which we come to learn later in scriptures. These ethical standards in scripture cannot be achieved by the disciples natural abilities. Jesus told the disciples to tarry in Jerusalem until they were endued with power. They obeyed and received the power of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost empowered them not only with signs and wonders but they were able to walk in a higher dimension of love. They were able to withstand beating without fighting back. When Judas sold Christ to those who came to capture Jesus, Peter had chopped off one of them ears and Jesus put the man’s ears back on the man. After they had received the power of the Holy Ghost they didn’t go around fighting but they humbled themselves with the power they received. Their fight was from a different dimension because they now understand according to Ephesians 6: 12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” Saul who saw to the death and persecution of many of those who followed Christ, after his conversion became an ardent follower of Jesus Christ. Saul whose name changed to Paul stated “follow me while I follow Christ” His life changing experience humbled him even with the spiritual power he gained, which enabled him to live above the flesh as he endured many hardship. These higher ethical living caused Paul and many others to live a life of holiness, operate in signs and wonders and experience favor with God.
At the very early stage of Jesus’ ministry, He taught the people about the beatitudes in Matthew chapter 5. These kind of teaching helps us to live above the emotional roller-coaster and trust in God’s word as it gives hope. The core of Jesus’ teaching supersedes the expectation and understanding of the natural man. In Matthew 5: 10 11 “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake” We also learn in Matthew 5: 38-39 “Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also” These teachings empowers the believer to be selfless, to forgive, to give sacrificially, live above the fleshly attractions of this world and to live in hope submitting ourselves to authority of Jesus Christ and earthly governance that are aligned with God’s word.
Doctor Luke who also wrote the book of Acts, stated in Acts 1: 1 “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach” This goes to show that Luke wrote a treatise concerning the teachings and acts of Jesus Christ during the time of Jesus’ ministry.. According to dictionary.com a treatise is a formal and systematic exposition in writing of the principles of a subject, generally longer and more detailed than an essay.
The ethical standards given in scriptures help to build our integrity so we can live an upright life. James 1: 27 “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world” During the troublesome times David was going through he knew he had to fear God and lived an upright While waiting until his change come David cried out to God in Psalm 25: 21 “Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee. According to dictionary,cambridge.org uprightness means the quality of being honest, responsible and moral. This is one of many ethical principals we must practice as Christians.
At times we see the display of the ethical standard throughout society. Even the world at large, businesses and government will even look to Biblical instructions because they see how these ethical principles can make one’s life better and society on a whole. The Ten Commandment are often displayed in some business places and governmental organizations like the court houses. This is done to impact mankind’s conscience thus enabling them to do right. In Deuteronomy 6 the children of Israel were told about the commandment, how they should abide in it and how to teach their children. When they takes these ethical principles and put them into practice will bring forth blessing, health, long life and favor with God.
Let us seek to put the word of the Lord at the forefront of our hearts and practice this higher ethical living to the glory of God.