The phrase ‘conduct unbecoming’ is used to refer to behavior that is considered dishonorable and dis-chargeable from service, usually military service. In the realm of spiritual warfare as well, we can sometimes be considered as having a ‘conduct unbecoming a soldier of Christ Jesus’ , displaying dishonorable behavior that makes us dis-chargeable. We are to behave as Christians! But then, how should we behave? What should be our conduct? Our conduct should be Valiant, Orderly and Wise (VOW).
The Bible tells us that we are to be of good courage because God has promised to never fail us nor forsake us and we are to behave valiantly (1 Chronicles 19:13). Though the word ‘valiant’ is used to describe the possession of bravery or boldness, its Anglo-French root primarily means to be worthy. We are to behave worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called by being lowly, meek, patient (longsuffering), loving and peaceful (Ephesians 4:1).
When Apostle Paul writes to the Church in Thessalonica, he boldly calls to attention that he or his fellow laborers had not behaved in a disorderly manner, an attribute that he deems worthy of being imitated by his readers (2 Thessalonians 3:7). God is not a God of chaos or entropy; He is not an author of confusion but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). We must behave in an orderly manner as well.
The Bible also records that David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the Lord was with him (1 Samuel 18:14). The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom which means that David behaved with the fear of the Lord in not just some of his ways, but in ALL his ways and the Lord was with him. We must behave wisely as well; we must behave with the fear of the Lord (a.k.a. in awe and in reverence of Him).
So how must we behave?
We must behave with VOW (Valiantly, Orderly and Wisely) so that our conduct is not one unbecoming a solider of Jesus Christ.
Point(s) to ponder:
If someone was to take stock of your/my life today, what would they have to say about our conduct?
1 Chronicles 19:13 (KJV)
13 Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the LORD do that which is good in his sight.
2 Thessalonians 3:7 (KJV)
7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
1 Samuel 18:14 (KJV)
14 And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him.
