Back in the “good old days” in Elementary School (a long time ago), students were graded not only on their academic performance but also on something called “Deportment” (behavior and manners)! I learned back then that how I conducted myself was an act of will, manifested in my actions.
Our grades would be discussed at Teacher/Parent meetings. In my case, if my grades—including Deportment—fell short of my parents' expectations, I would have to improve or face the consequences.
As believers in Christ, God likewise has expectations for our behavior and manners as His children. Each Christian life is like a shining city on a hill (Matthew 5:14-16). Jesus told His disciples, “Ye are the light of the world.”
By virtue of being God’s children, we are the light of God and His way in a world of sin and darkness. Opinions about God are formed as others watch Christians serve Him, and Scripture informs us that God is jealous for His name (Exodus 34:14)! Based on our “deportment”, observers should form accurate opinions about our Heavenly Father because a flawed view of God will hamper recognition of a need for redemption and reconciliation with God.
In a sense, the spiritual and eternal welfare of unbelievers hangs in the balance when Christians present a muddled picture of God.
In his letter to the Church at Colosse, the Apostle Paul addresses the deportment of the children of God. There were some things they needed to stop doing and others they needed to start — or restart — doing. Next week we will look at the topics addressed by Paul.