When men began to increase in number on earth, the Lord saw how great man’s wickedness had become and He was grieved that He had made man. He said, “I’ll wipe mankind from the face of the earth” (Gen. 6:1-7). What? Why?!
“All have turned away; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not a one!” (Ps. 53:3, NLT) “If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.” (1 Jn. 1:8, NLT)
Since behavior is what people do and not what they think, feel, or believe, determining if someone is on their best behavior would require some observation. Our behavior is extremely important and can either bring positive blessings or negative suffering. Good social behavior is vital for the proper functioning of societies, but what do we observe people doing? There’s ingratitude, greed, selfishness, slander, treachery, quarrels, and hateful manners, just to name some. And then there’s always “wars and rumors of wars” (Mt. 24:6) plus, Jesus said we believers would be hated all over the world because we follow Him (v.9). We’ve watched this happening for years now, even among those in high positions of business and government aren’t above misbehaving! “Satan’s good at what he does bad.”
“Love is patient and kind…not boastful, proud, rude, or irritable.” (1 Cor. 13:4–5) “Grow in wisdom and understanding…live pure and blameless lives” (Phlp.1:10) “Stay away from those who don’t follow a Christ-like lifestyle.” (2 Thess. 3:6) “Live life to be above reproach…exercise self-control, live wisely and have a good reputation.” (2 Tim. 3:4-5) We’ll be judged according to what we do and how we decide to handle it. (see Rom. 2:6)
-John Driggers, Spiritual Advisor for Myers-Davis (5/12/2025, V7#19)
