“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 make good on that promise. This has to do with our reliability before people. Can people count on us? Do people have concerns that we may not carry through with 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 after a while because we disappoint them. They don’t believe us anymore because we fail to come through with our promises. They do not trust us any longer, 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; we do not cut corners.
