Lifestyle
While salvation comes by faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ, as a new creature in Christ, a believer devotes himself to a life of zeal, commitment, and growth in understanding God's Word. He strives to be not only a "hearer" of the Word, but a "doer" of the Word. He aims to glorify God; to be an example in word, conversation, charity, spirit, faith and purity; and to have and portray the joy of the Lord. His lifestyle follows the patterns found in the Bible.
The Scripture exhorts the believer to walk humbly, modestly and with sobriety.1 All of the Bible's teachings are "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness."2 All of its teachings are essential for godly living.
The life of a Christian reflects the light of Christ in everyday discipleship, both inwardly and outwardly.3 The Word instructs to avoid costly and immodest clothing.4 Gender distinction in attire and in general appearance is respectful to God's order of creation.5 Women are exhorted to portray a chaste appearance6 with long hair gathered in a modest style, without cosmetics and jewelry. Men avoid long hair and are to maintain an outward demeanor that is consistent with the themes of humility, moderation and sobriety.7 Unedifying worldly entertainments are avoided, as believers are to be good stewards of all resources including their hearts and time.8
1: 1 Peter 5:5; 1 Timothy 2:9; Titus 2
2: 2 Timothy 3:16
3: 1 Corinthians 6:20
4: 1 Timothy 2:9-10; 1 Peter 3:3-4
5: Matthew 19:4
6: 1 Peter 3:2
7: 1 Timothy 2:9; 1 Corinthians 11:14-15; 1 Peter 5:5; Titus 2
8: Ephesians 5:15-16