The way Christians conduct themselves can have a profound impact on how non-believers view Jesus Christ and the Christian faith. According to the Bible, Christians are called to live in a way that honors God and reflects His love, grace, and truth to the world around them.
Here are some key points from Scripture about why Christian conduct matters:
1. Christians are ambassadors for Christ
The Bible says that Christians are Christ’s ambassadors and representatives here on earth (2 Corinthians 5:20). As ambassadors, the way Christians speak and act reflects directly on the One they claim to follow. Unbelievers watch Christians closely to see if their actions line up with their beliefs. When Christians live contradictorily to Biblical standards, it damages non-believers’ ability to see Christ clearly.
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20, ESV)
2. Christians’ conduct can attract people to Christ or push them away
The Bible teaches that godly conduct and Christ-like love can soften hearts and draw unbelievers to inquire about God (1 Peter 3:1-2, 15-16). On the other hand, ungodly living and hypocrisy can repel unbelievers and confirm negative perceptions about Christianity.
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (1 Peter 3:15-16, ESV)
3. How Christians live demonstrates the credibility of the gospel
When Christians obey Biblical standards for conduct, it shows the world that the gospel has true power to transform lives. Godly conduct serves as a living advertisement that the gospel works and can radically change anyone. However, unchristian conduct undermines the attractiveness and credibility of the Christian message.
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (1 Peter 2:12, ESV)
4. Conduct and social justice demonstrate God’s love
The church is called to take care of vulnerable people through acts of compassion, generosity and justice. When Christians live out God’s heart for the oppressed, marginalized and needy, it powerfully demonstrates God’s love in action to unbelievers. However, indifference to injustice and human need projects a distorted picture of God.
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” (James 1:27, ESV)
5. How Christians treat each other shows what God is like
One of the most powerful testimonies to unbelievers is when Christians love, forgive, and serve each other across barriers like race, status, gender and ethnicity. Our conduct within the church family showcases the unifying and reconciling work of Christ. But division and disunity obscure the gospel message.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35, ESV)
6. Christians are called to pursue moral purity
The Bible exhorts believers to pursue moral excellence and turn away from sin. When Christians excuse unbiblical conduct and blend into the culture, it signals to unbelievers that the gospel message has no real authority or transforming power.
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13, ESV)
7. Ungodly conduct gives Christ a bad reputation
Unfortunately, the immoral behavior of some Christians causes unbelievers to associate Jesus with hypocrisy, greed, hatred, and sexual immorality. This damages outsiders’ ability to see who Jesus truly is. While only God can fairly judge, unrepentant sin does bring reproach on Christ’s reputation.
“The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” (Romans 2:24, ESV)
8. Christians cannot compartmentalize faith from ethics
Some believers try to separate right doctrine and conduct, but the Bible makes clear that truth must connect with love and righteousness. Sound faith transforms behavior, and separating faith from ethics projects a false dichotomy.
“If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” (1 John 4:20, ESV)
9. Christ-like conduct requires dependence on the Spirit
The Bible makes clear that Christians cannot live righteously through self-effort alone. True Christ-like conduct only comes through the empowering and cleansing work of the Holy Spirit. Staying connected to God is essential for representing Jesus well.
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16, ESV)
10. How Christians treat others reflects their love for God
Loving others, even enemies, demonstrates that God’s love has taken root inside. The Bible ties loving fellow humans with truly loving God. Therefore, poor treatment of people signals to unbelievers that something is lacking spiritually.
“If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” (1 John 4:20, ESV)
In summary, Scripture makes abundantly clear that the conduct of Christians significantly impacts how unbelievers perceive Jesus Christ and the credibility of the gospel message. While only the Holy Spirit can open blind eyes, Christians’ lifestyle and ethics can either clarify or distort who God really is. The Bible repeatedly emphasizes sound doctrine and godly living going hand-in-hand. Therefore, faithful believers cannot separate their beliefs and conduct, but must humbly rely on the Spirit to consistently extend God’s grace and truth to the watching world.
Key Bible Verses about Christian Conduct and Unbelievers
Here is a selection of Bible verses that speak to this important topic:
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16, ESV)
“Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” (1 Peter 2:12, ESV)
“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.” (Philippians 1:27, ESV)
“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” (1 Peter 2:11-12, ESV)
“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” (Luke 6:27-31, ESV)
“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.” (Philippians 1:27-28, ESV)
“For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:20-21, ESV)
“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” (Luke 6:27-31, ESV)
“Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” (1 John 2:6, ESV)
Ways Christians Can Honor Christ Through Conduct
Based on the biblical principles outlined above, here are some practical ways Christians can honor Christ through their conduct:
- Speak with grace, kindness and truthfulness
- Avoid gossip, slander and abusive speech
- Interact with genuine love and servant-heartedness
- Honor authorities and submit to government
- Give generously to help those in need
- Treat others with respect, even those different than us
- Pursue unity within the church across barriers
- Advocate for vulnerable groups like the poor and oppressed
- Engage society while retaining moral purity
- Bring reconciliation where there is conflict
- Work diligently and with ethical business practices
- Refrain from immorality, drunkenness, and lawlessness
- Be faithful, trustworthy and honest in all dealings
- Avoid hypocrisy by living integrated lives of faith
While Christians will always fall short, diligently striving for conduct that honors Christ will have a significant impact. As ambassadors of the Lord, believers must depend fully on the Holy Spirit to exemplify lives of grace, truth and Christ-like love to a watching world.