By Empowering Everyday Women // Faith // Christian Conduct

A tree is known by the kind of fruit it produces, according to Luke 6:44. Is the fruit of your life becoming of a Christian, or are your behaviors undermining your witness for Christ?

If you are truly serious about being Christ-like and being a good representative of God’s Kingdom, here are 7 things you should avoid.

#1 - Being vulgar. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)

If you cuss like a sailor, gossip like a tabloid, and constantly spread negativity, you’re ruining your witness for Christ. What you say is a reflection of the condition of your heart. So if your words are filthy and unedifying, pray for God to cleanse your heart. He’ll hear you and answer!

#2 - Being judgmental and critical. “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” (Matthew 7:1 KJV)

At a time when judging, criticizing and canceling everyone for the mistakes of their past and present is normal, this should never be normalized in the life of a believer. Disciples of Christ are known for our compassion and belief in redemption and forgiveness. We are this way because Christ redeemed and forgave us, and since none of us is worthy of that, none of us has any place to judge others.

#3 - Being quick to anger. “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.” (James 1:19-20 NLT)

When tempers flare, regrettable words are said, and damaging actions are taken. That’s why it’s important not to let negative emotions lead you down a destructive path that can harm others and dim your light.

#4 - Being mean-spirited. “The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV)

Anyone can be mean, cold-hearted and callous, but it takes the work of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s heart for them to display the true love, kindness and patience of Christ (Galatians 5:22-23). If Christians behave just like non-Christians in terms of how we treat others, then what sets us apart, and how can we convince anyone that the spirit of God empowers us to do what our flesh cannot do?

#5 - Being arrogant and self-righteous. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV)

Being a Christian doesn’t mean you are better than anyone; it simply means you are forgiven. Knowing this and keeping it top of mind helps you walk in a spirit of humility and not a spirit of pride which God hates. The more humble you are – giving all glory to God for all things – the more pleasing you are to Him and the more effective you are as a witness for God.

#6 - Being materialistic. “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” (1 John 2:16 KJV)

As a Christian, you don’t boast in, value, or love the same things that the world loves. Materialism, lustfulness, and pride are not from God and have no place in your life either. Though the world’s treasures and pleasures seduce the best of us, we must fight temptation through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. If we don’t resist the attraction of worldliness, our ability to reflect Kingdom culture is greatly diminished if not prohibited altogether.

#7 - Being unrepentant. “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24 ESV)

Let’s be clear. No one is perfect. We all offend others despite our best intentions (James 3:2). But followers of Christ are humble enough to repent of their wrongdoing when they mess up, giving the devil less room to cause confusion, stir up strife, and put a dark cloud of controversy above your head to block out the light of Christ.

Saying you are a Christian and displaying Christian attributes are two distinct things. As a believer, your actions speak louder than words, so ask yourself, what do my actions say about me?

If you want to mature in your faith and be better – a goal we should all have – pray this quick prayer: God, I want to live a life that is pleasing in Your sight. Please help me grow in any areas of weakness so I can reflect the image of Christ and let Your light shine through me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.