Living on the Third Level: Part Two

Colossians 3:17

Considering the three levels of Dr. Lawrence Kohlberg of Harvard let’s look at life on level three where one’s life-style is based on what matters is what is right. 

I. OUR ACTS ARE BASED ON “WHATEVER”  UNIVERSAL OBEDIENCE
If you live on level three you will do whatever you do based on principle.  You won’t change your mind simply because something makes you feel better or others approve.

One of the nation’s most successful football coaches told me the following. He had just won consecutive national Championships and had his most successful recruiting years ever, but he retired prematurely. The reason being he had given an assistant an earlier promise that if he would stay with him five more years he would retire, and make efforts to help the assistant become head coach. Even in light of his success he retired. He quoted Psalm 15: 4 as the reason, “He who swears to his own hurt and does not change.” He gave his word and kept it even in  light of his current success.  If you make a promise – keep it – even if it takes great effort or it hurts you. God places a very high priority on being people of our word.

II.      OUR ATTITUDES SHOULD BE “IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS.”
This reveals our realized oneness.  A team that wears a school’s uniform represents all for which the school stands.  As a Christian you represent all for which Christ stands.  His “name” stands for His character and being.

“In the name” means “in vital relationship with him,” that is:
a. In harmony with His revealed will. 

b. In subjection to His authority.

c. In dependence on His power.

III. OUR ACCLAIM SHOULD BE  “GIVING THANKS TO GOD.”
Are you able to give God thanks for being able to say or do what is contemplated?

Do you live up to the principles you profess?  When you became aware of your need for salvation and you received Christ as Savior, a principle was established.  You invited Christ into your life.

Let’s parallel this with an imaginary situation in which you invite a special guest into your home.  Upon his arrival you say, “I want you to make yourself at home.  My house is your house.  Make yourself comfortable.”

The next day you come home and your guest has out all of your financial records and is going through them. You are outraged, “What are you doing?”, you ask.  “I am looking over your financial records,” is the reply. Incensed you say, “Those are my private records. You shouldn’t be looking at them.”  Then your guest reminds you of your statement, “Make yourself at home. My house is your house…”

Did you really mean it?  Did you really mean it when you said to Jesus that you wanted your life to be His?  Are there areas of your life not being lived according to His principles?