Behaving like a Christian

I came across this passage on night as I was looking for a tag verse to end off my blog entry, and I stumbled upon this:

Behave Like a Christian (Rom 12:9 - 17)

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head."

As I read the title to this passage (Behave Like a Christian), I had this revelation: This passage is not talking about the Christian *lifestyle* we should adopt; it's more fundamental than that - it speaks of basic Christian *behaviour* we're supposed to have.

Are people able to tell that we're Christians by the way that we behave, in the things that we say, in the things we do? Are they able to tell us apart based on our interactions with them? Are we able to live up to these standards that God has set, and be so accustomed to them that it's internalised in our very bahaviour?

I don't know about you but I'm really challenged to live up to these standards. It's not easy, but I will try. Won't it be nice if people can just say this about you: "This guy must be a Christian... Look at the way he behaves..." Let's try to do this shall we? :)

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Rom 12:21, NKJV)