Conduct Matters

When I was in elementary school, we received grades for handwriting, spelling, and conduct in addition to our academic marks. As I recall, the grades were O for outstanding, S for satisfactory, and N for needs improvement. To my parents, the most important grade on my entire report card was the conduct grade. I admit…typically, my conduct grade was not Outstanding, it was usually S for Satisfactory, but my teachers were cognizant to add a personal note, “talks too much, but is never rude or disrespectful.” Thank the Lord, they wrote that note because less than outstanding behavior was a spanking!

We don’t give conduct grades anymore, and I’ve aged out of grade school, anyway, but I’d like to think my conduct is still in the satisfactory to outstanding range.  I still talk too much, but it’s always in fun. I like to smile, laugh and I like to make others do the same.  I’m not confrontational, and I don’t have an angry spirit.  Our conduct is important.  People are watching, children are watching.  I hear from my children's teachers that they, too, have good conduct in class.  Hopefully, they are emulating me!  Children do what they see their parents do, so be sure you are saying and doing the right things.  We have all seen examples, recently of poor conduct, our children, see this too and know that personal conduct is a choice.  

The sin nature we inherited from Adam remains and continues to raise its ugly head.  It’s the cause of our impatience, selfishness, lies, anger, and malice.  You see this in videos on social media, you’ve seen it in the grocery store, in schools and maybe even at church.  Poor conduct leaves a negative image in the minds of all who witness it.  Scripture says, Even small children are known by their actions.  (Prov. 20:11)  What would your conduct grade be?  Conduct matters.

James 1:19-21
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

Galatians 5:16-17
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 

Romans 12:2
​​Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.



Conduct Matters.  Amen. 
Thank you for reading!
Kim


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