BLJ: We conclude today our mini study on the Christian life. Does your life reflect Jesus Christ, or does something else have your affections?
71. What is the Christian's relation to the world?
The Christian is not of the world, but being a member of human society he is not indifferent to his relation to others; especially does he seek to do good to all men, to seek the salvation of sinners and the reformation of society. "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil" (John 17:14,15). "God ... hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth" (Acts 17:24, 25). "Let us do good unto all men" (Gal. 6:10).
72. What summarizes the Christian's obligation to others?
The second great commandment, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" summarizes the Christian's obligation to others; which means that we are to "love all men with the love of good will, the unfortunate and distressed with the love of pity, and good men with the love of complacency" (Christian Theology, Wiley)
73. What are the Christian's obligations to civil authorities?
It is the Christian's obligation to show respect to and pray for the civil authorities, to be a law-abiding citizen, and to exercise his privileges as a citizen in the affairs of government. "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men ... Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king" (I Peter 2:13-15, 17). "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty" (I Tim. 2:1,2). "Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's" (Matt. 22:21).
74. What is a Christian home?
A Christian home is a home where God is worshipped and honored, and where Christian love is the guiding principle in all relationships. "Let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband" (Eph. 5:.33). "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right ... And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Eph. 6:1,4).
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