The manifest Word of God clearly teaches that those who belong to the Lord Jesus Christ are called to live differently from the ungodly systems of this present evil world. The children of God are not to follow the sinful customs, immoral lifestyles, corrupt speech, prideful attitudes, or fleshly fashions of a pagan culture that has rejected the holiness and righteousness of the Lord God Almighty. Those who have truly been born again through the Spirit of God have been separated unto the Lord Jesus Christ for His divine purpose and glory.
The believer’s conduct, speech, behavior, appearance, and manner of life should all reflect the indwelling presence of the Holy Ghost. The Scriptures declare in Romans 12:2, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Bible
The people of God are called to walk in holiness because the Lord Himself is holy. Holiness is not merely an outward appearance, but it also reveals itself outwardly through obedience, modesty, humility, righteousness, and reverence toward God. The Lord never intended for His people to blend in with the darkness of this present world system. Rather, He called them to be a light in the midst of spiritual darkness. As written in 1 Peter 1:15-16, “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” Bible
The conduct of the believer must reveal the nature and character of Jesus Christ. This means that the child of God should walk in humility, purity, love, truth, mercy, patience, self-control, and righteousness before all people.
The believer is commanded to flee sinful behavior and worldly corruption. The Scriptures declare in Galatians 5:19-21, “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Bible The Lord God makes it clear throughout His Word that those who continue living according to the sinful desires of the flesh are walking contrary to His divine will.
In contrast, the Spirit of God produces holy fruit within the lives of those who submit themselves unto the Lord Jesus Christ. The believer’s life should reveal spiritual transformation and not conformity to the world. Galatians 5:22-23 declares, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Bible These spiritual qualities should be visible in the conduct and lifestyle of every child of God.
The Word of God also teaches believers to dress modestly and with godly discretion. In a world that promotes sensuality, lust, pride, rebellion, vanity, and the exposure of the flesh, the people of God are instructed to clothe themselves in a manner that honors the holiness of God rather than attracting sinful attention unto themselves. The Scriptures declare in 1 Timothy 2:9-10, “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” Bible This passage reveals that true beauty before God is not rooted in outward vanity, worldly seduction, or material display, but in holiness, humility, and godly character.
Likewise, men are also commanded to conduct themselves in purity, dignity, and self-control before the Lord God Almighty. Men of God are not to dress or behave in ways that promote rebellion, pride, violence, immorality, or corruption. The believer’s appearance should reflect wisdom, maturity, reverence, and separation unto God. The Scriptures teach in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” Bible The body of the believer belongs unto the Lord Jesus Christ and should therefore be treated as holy.
The children of God are also warned not to love the sinful systems and pleasures of this present evil world. Many today claim to follow Jesus Christ while embracing worldly fashions, ungodly entertainment, immoral speech, sensual behavior, and lifestyles that openly contradict the manifest Word of God. Yet the Scriptures clearly warn against friendship with the spirit of this world. 1 John 2:15-17 declares, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” Bible
The Lord Jesus Christ Himself commanded His followers to let their light shine before humanity through righteous living and godly conduct. The believer’s lifestyle should point others toward repentance and salvation through Jesus Christ. As written in Matthew 5:14-16, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Bible
The Scriptures further command believers to separate themselves from ungodliness and spiritual compromise. The Lord God never intended for His people to imitate the darkness around them. Instead, He calls His people unto spiritual separation, purity, and obedience. 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 declares, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” Bible
In these last days, the distinction between the holy and the profane is becoming increasingly blurred throughout much of society and even amongst many who profess Christianity. However, the true children of God must remain faithful unto the Lord Jesus Christ regardless of cultural pressure, worldly trends, persecution, or opposition. The people of God are ambassadors of the Kingdom of Heaven and representatives of Jesus Christ in the earth.
Therefore, every aspect of their conduct, speech, dress, attitude, relationships, and daily lifestyle should reflect the holiness, righteousness, humility, purity, and divine character of the Lord whom they serve. The Scriptures declare in Philippians 2:15, “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” Bible
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