“You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe…“
and justly
The gospel team lived their lives in accordance with what is right. “Justly” carries the idea of real, genuine, and true. They clearly understood what God teaches in the Word and lived their lives accordingly.
“Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame” (1 Corinthians 15:34).
“…teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age…” (Titus 2:12).
Principle:
Christians should live with integrity toward people.
Application:
When we behave “justly,” we behave with integrity toward people. Our testimony before people is consistent and carries integrity. We are as good as our word. If we promise something, we keep that promise. This relates to our reliability before people. Can people count on us? Do people worry that we may not follow through on our promise?
Over time, we establish a reputation for how we carry out our promises. People get our number: “He said that he would serve, but he never comes around. Forget it; he is not true to his word.” People discount our word over time because we disappoint them. They no longer believe us because we fail to follow through on our promises. They no longer trust us, so they discount what we say.
“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4: 12).
Can people count on you? Do people vouch for you? Can people trust you? Alternatively, do they turn off their hearing aid when you come around? God wants us to practice what we preach. We play fair and square, and we do not cut corners.
