1 Jun 2008
The May 6, 2008, edition of The Oregonian, ran a side-bar article in the Living section that condensed an article from The Washington Post that ran earlier this year. It was entitled Rules to Live by in Today’s Uncivil World and offered 25 points necessary for living in a civil society, suggesting we all need to do our part to help our society improve politeness and regain its manners. I offer them to you, not necessarily agreeing that this list is either accurate or complete, but (as my wife pointed out) that these 25 items deemed necessary for good living in a secular society by a secular source are already what we as Christians are to do and be, and have already been detailed in God’s Word (though not in the form of a list of rules). You will also notice that all the following references are from the New Testament, and these may not be the only (or best ones), and certainly the Old Testament has a lot to say on these points as well (especially Proverbs). So without further commentary or endorsement, I offer “the list” and what God has already said on the subject.
1. Pay attention. 1 Peter 5:8; Be self-controlled and alert.
2. Acknowledge others. Galatians 6:10; Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people…
3. Think the best. Philippians 4:8; If anything is excellent—think about such things…
4. Listen. James 1:19; Everyone should be quick to listen…
5. Be inclusive. Romans 15:7; Accept one another…
6. Speak kindly. Ephesians 4:32; Be kind and compassionate to one another…
7. Don’t speak ill. Ephesians 5:4; Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking…
8. Accept and give praise. 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Encourage one another and build each other up…
9. Respect even a subtle “no”. Romans 14:5; Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.
10. Respect others’ opinions. 1 Peter 2:17; Show proper respect to everyone…
11. Mind your body. Ephesians 5:29; No one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it...
12. Be agreeable. Romans 12:18; Live at peace with everyone.
13. Keep it down (and rediscover silence).1 Thessalonians 4:11; Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life.
14. Respect other people’s time. Romans 15:2; Each of us should please his neighbor for his good.
15. Respect other people’s space. (See above reference).
16. Apologize earnestly. James 5:16; Therefore, confess your sins to each other…
17. Assert yourself. Ephesians 3:12; Through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
18. Avoid personal questions. 1 Thessalonians 4:11; Mind your own business…
19. Care for your guests. 1 Peter 4:9; Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
20. Be a considerate guest. Philippians 4:10; I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me.
21. Think twice before asking for favors. Romans 13:8; Let no debt remain outstanding…
22. Refrain from idle complaints. Philippians 2:14; Do everything without complaining or arguing…
23. Accept and give constructive criticism. Colossians 3:13; Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have…
24. Respect the environment and be gentle to animals. Colossians 3:17; And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus…
25. Don’t shift responsibility and blame. Romans 14:13; Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another.
Suffice it to say, man’s wisdom can take us only so far (1 Corinthians 1:25), and our effort to be civil, while noble, will not be complete without the power of God’s Spirit that only comes from being transformed by Christ (Romans 12:2) which makes us a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) so that we can not only read God’s Word, but do it (James 1:22). That is what will lead to a truly civil society!
Denis Whittet
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