The New Person Imitates Christ: Seven Behavior Principles Now That You’re Saved

     The whole issue of salvation is one that is debated by many who call themselves “Christian” (When were you saved, how were you saved, how can you tell if you’re really saved?), and it's an often confusing subject for those who have not made a decisions as to whether they want to follow Jesus and serve Him in all the ways that He requires.

     Now we know that a person is not saved by virtue of works, but we do know that those who claim to be saved should be serving God according to His principles. If a person claims to be saved and they are not manifesting the fruits of the spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness), then he or she best examine their respective hearts. One can understand that “new babes” in Christ will find their soul experiencing a metamorphic journey (and none ever experiences true perfection); however, a noticeable difference should be more than evident to close friends and family, and hopefully to all we encounter on a daily basis.

     Therefore, we decided to revisit a group of scripture that contain within seven principles, words of instructions, and reminders that if you are not manifesting these attributes in your life, then you may want to question yourself (not other people's behavior) to see if you are in the close relationship with God that you thought you were in to begin with.
     The following principles boldy speak for themselves and do not need in depth explanation, although volumes of examples and corroborating scripture could be provided to validate all of these things come directly from God:

     (1) Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

     (2) But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

     (3) Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.

     (4) For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:

     "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."

     (5) Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

     (6) Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

     (7) Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.

     In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.  However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. (Ephesians 5:1-32)

     Principle number seven is an often argued or debated topic (especially in these so-called “Liberated” days we live in); however, God’s formula regarding marital relationships is probably one the greatest examples He has given us concerning the attitude that He requires from each of us if we truly want to have an “effective” presence in this natural world.
     In essence, as the wife submits to her husband (by respecting him and the assigned hierarchy God has established in the family unit) the husband should be a shining and productive example in his household and community, as a provider, protector and dedicated family man. If the husband is fulfilling his role (loving and caring for his wife) to the point that he is willing to die for her, the wife’s response will result in an automatic reaction filled with dignity, honor, respect and feelings of security she can find in no other manner.

     Jesus tells us this is a “profound mystery,” but then goes on to reveal that  mystery, that the husband should love his wife as himself, and that wife should always respect her husband. If both are fulfilling their respective roles, all of the previous six principles should be no burdensome task whatsoever!
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