“The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour
as becometh holiness,” Titus 2:3
Ugh. Being good is tough, and behaving like we should, privately or publicly, can be a daily struggle. I guess that’s why I like the start of a new year. It’s a good time to hit refresh on bad behaviors, failed endeavors and unfinished tasks. It’s an opportunity to regroup and restart healthy habits. God was so gracious to bless us with fresh starts and second chances. (I’m thankful for that.) He shows us more grace, when we falter, than we show ourselves. While holy living and good behavior is often difficult to maintain, we’re still called to follow Christ’s examples. As Christians, Holiness should be at the center of our hearts and homes. Following God’s instructions and inspiration facilitates that behavior.
Some years are more difficult, especially when I know my behavior has not honored God, my husband, or others. Those are the years, when I’m thinking ahead and preparing for the New Year, that I want to scream…
“WAIT! Don’t start yet! I’m not ready!
I’ve failed miserably at last year’s resolutions.
I don’t have my life in order or a clear plan for how to proceed.
I’m not finished with my 2021 goals and projects.
My attitude stinks.
I have relationship mending to do.
I’m still over-obligated, over-whelmed and overweight.
I have my Christmas decorations still up!”
Can you relate? Does the thought of doing better at improving your behaviors seem like another unattainable New Year’s resolution that will join the collection of wearisome failures? Thankfully, we’re not alone in the struggle to behave in a way that becomes Holiness. God promised that nothing is impossible with Him. (Luke 1:37)
While spiritual and physical set-backs can make it difficult to move ahead, turning the calendar page won’t change the current situations, habits or behaviors. Living the way God wants us to live, requires that we stop and take stock of our lives from a Biblical perspective.
It helps to ask, “Where am I now? Where do I want to go? What does God want me to do?” We should consider if our actions and behaviors align with God’s Word and the instructions given for our lives. Are we following our Creator’s plan or our own?
God’s Word teaches us that we are to be in behavior that becometh Holiness. The Greek definition for the word “behavior” in Titus 2:3 is, “a position or condition…that is, demeanor.” And, the Greek definition for the word “becometh” is “reverent.” This type of behavior gives us a reverent, demeanor to Holiness and makes us act in a more honorable way toward God.
As I study God’s Word, I often ponder this question, “Am I living the Holy life I’m reading about?” I’m ashamed to say, I can’t always answer yes. Each year I strive to do better and, when I struggle, I try these steps:
- Revisit God in prayer
- Reevaluate passions
- Recommit to purpose
- Reset priorities
- Reestablish plans
God gives us specific reasons to be on our best behavior. Learning and remembering these reasons helps us stay motivated and committed to our purpose of following Christ.
Holiness should be at the heart of every Christian’s life. No matter what type of year we’ve experienced, our behaviors should honor our Holy Creator. Today offers a fresh start. Enjoy the opportunities of the New Year!
Bring It Home
What behaviors would you like to change for 2022? I’ll go first…”My Ingratitude.”
Praying for you as we grow together,
Smiles, BRC
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