disorderly conduct
"You will know what kind of conduct befits a member of God's household, the Church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of truth." —1 Timothy 3:15
Christians sometimes conceal rather than reveal Christ by conduct unbefitting "a member of God's household." We act "like children squatting in the city squares," self-centered and full of complaints (Lk 7:32). We often make the Christian life look like a drag, fulfilling our "Sunday obligation," doing only the minimum, out of so-called love for God. Additionally, Christians have trouble with their mouths. It's questionable whether we gossip any less than the world. In many ways, we're just about as worldly as unbelievers. How many churches raise money through gambling and selling beer!
The Lord calls us to project a different image — His image. We must hunger and thirst for holiness (Mt 5:6) and in every aspect of our conduct be holy as Jesus is holy (1 Pt 1:15, 16). Christians and churches that are not holy but lukewarm cause Him to become nauseated (Rv 3:16). Let's live for God with no compromises.
Prayer: Lord, have mercy and forgive me.
Promise: "God's wisdom is vindicated by all who accept it." —Lk 7:35
Praise: St. Januarius lived a life that glorified God, and now in death God has glorified him by enabling a phial of the saint's holy blood to liquefy and bubble up when placed near the martyr's head.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our leaflet Be Holy, For I am Holy.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 14, 2007
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