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We as Christians must have norms and values to do the lords work. We must understand how to guide each other to effective member behavior, which is not easy because of (1) the flesh and (2) interpersonal problems that get in the way.
So what does this mean for us to have Christian norms and values?
Is it Ethics or Morally Driven? And who gives us this compass to follow?
There are 3 things that will guide you in setting Christian norms for you and your teams
- Know your absolute authority is with Christ.
Christians are given God’s grace which places our lives under the absolute lordship of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:21 – “For me to live is Christ” meaning he is the center of our life.
Romans 13:1 – Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
- Know where the source of our norms comes from.
What is clear from I Corinthians 11 is that the norms for us do not lie in our culture, but rather in the Word of God., and that God’s Word and God’s Spirit bring with them a new culture. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
- React to other by Gods examples
Jesus says in John 13:15: “…I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you”
Romans 2:14 says that “the Gentiles who have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law.”
So in order for us as Christians to establish norms, we must look beyond the written communicative, respectful and problem-solving aspects in the secular world and dig look deeper in the word of God.
Paul shares that if that was written in man’s conscience at creation, why do we need the Ten Commandments?’ the answer is that our conscience has fallen.
Conscience can only be our guide if our conscience is ruled by the Word of God.
Estella & Lauren