How to Live as a Christian by CS Lewis
Summary of Book Three, "Christian Behavior," in Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
Christ taught us to treat others as we wish to be treated. But our behavior depends on what guides us. Our inner self and relationship with God dictate our morality and interpersonal relationships. Let’s look at some examples (Mark 12:31).
On sexual morality, Christianity considers sex good, but current cultural norms have gone wrong, such as treating abstinence and faithful marriage as abnormal. Huge industries promote absurd sexual behavior.
Control our sexual desires because true happiness comes from discipline. A successful marriage isn’t based on feelings or thrills, which can go wrong subconsciously. Instead, couples should focus on becoming one, keeping their marriage vows, and strengthening their relationship with good habits.
Beware of our pride (self-conceit or arrogant). It isn’t self-respect or dignity. It takes pleasure in overpowering others. Constantly comparing to others leads to arrogance and misery. To avoid pride, we must acknowledge God’s superiority.
Vanity (desiring praise, focusing on pleasing others) is typically better than ignoring people. Being proud of or admiring something usually isn’t that bad.
Charity (implying love) depends on our will. Treat your enemies as yourselves, their mistakes as ours. We’re made by God, and we desire happiness. Forgive our enemies as we ask God to forgive us. Though there’s no need to feel fond of them, acting as if you love them will make you like them more. Hate their sin, but not them; that’s how God loves us.
If we must punish or kill, such as in war or law enforcement, we should feel about our targets as we feel about ourselves: Wish they are good and hope they may become better.
Focus on eternity. What matters is how our decisions change us, making us more heavenly or hellish. Right decisions help us see our evilness.
Hope longs for something earth can’t provide. Satisfaction exists in heaven, our true home. Anchor yourself to heaven, and you will do more for earth.
Faith implies believing Christian doctrines as true. Though our reasoning once has accepted the doctrines, we must refresh our faith constantly because our moods change. We will fail. Failure shows our feebleness, with nothing to offer to God that isn’t already His.
Faith interlinks with good work. Follow Christ, not for earthly rewards, but for the gleams of heaven already in us (Philippians 2:12-13).
Our transformation needs God’s continual help. Rely on Christ to live as a Christian.
Summary of Book three, “Christian Behavior,” in Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis.
On sexual morality, Christianity considers sex good, but current cultural norms have gone wrong, such as treating abstinence and faithful marriage as abnormal. Huge industries promote absurd sexual behavior.
Control our sexual desires because true happiness comes from discipline. A successful marriage isn’t based on feelings or thrills, which can go wrong subconsciously. Instead, couples should focus on becoming one, keeping their marriage vows, and strengthening their relationship with good habits.
Beware of our pride (self-conceit or arrogant). It isn’t self-respect or dignity. It takes pleasure in overpowering others. Constantly comparing to others leads to arrogance and misery. To avoid pride, we must acknowledge God’s superiority.
Vanity (desiring praise, focusing on pleasing others) is typically better than ignoring people. Being proud of or admiring something usually isn’t that bad.
Charity (implying love) depends on our will. Treat your enemies as yourselves, their mistakes as ours. We’re made by God, and we desire happiness. Forgive our enemies as we ask God to forgive us. Though there’s no need to feel fond of them, acting as if you love them will make you like them more. Hate their sin, but not them; that’s how God loves us.
If we must punish or kill, such as in war or law enforcement, we should feel about our targets as we feel about ourselves: Wish they are good and hope they may become better.
Focus on eternity. What matters is how our decisions change us, making us more heavenly or hellish. Right decisions help us see our evilness.
Hope longs for something earth can’t provide. Satisfaction exists in heaven, our true home. Anchor yourself to heaven, and you will do more for earth.
Faith implies believing Christian doctrines as true. Though our reasoning once has accepted the doctrines, we must refresh our faith constantly because our moods change. We will fail. Failure shows our feebleness, with nothing to offer to God that isn’t already His.
Faith interlinks with good work. Follow Christ, not for earthly rewards, but for the gleams of heaven already in us (Philippians 2:12-13).
Our transformation needs God’s continual help. Rely on Christ to live as a Christian.
Summary of Book three, “Christian Behavior,” in Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis.