Why we need proven character!

When Paul wrote of Timothy to the Philippians, he said, "But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father." (2:22)

Christianity has taken on a nebulous form in modern America. It has something to do with grace, perhaps, and maybe joy, but often requires nothing of us other than perhaps a Sunday. For Christ and his early followers, Christianity was about far more than that: it was about proven worth.  As Romans 5 would say, 

"We also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;  and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope."  The truest hope requires proven character. It requires the sacrifice in daily life. It requires pushing past the comfort zone and being bold to others about our faith in Christ. Let's do it!

I can watch as much porn as I want!

Something awesome about being a Christian is that I can do home and watch as much porn as I want. I can drink as much alcohol as I want!  Wait, are you confused? Is this some grace-type post? Nope! It's even better.

The Psalmist pleaded, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me!" (51:10)  So beautifully, God promised in Ezekiel, "Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." (36:26)

That new heart is invaluable. 20 years after starting in AA, an alcoholic will introduce himself as still being an alcoholic—the desire is still there.  As Christians, God's power can change our very desires, if we embrace it. We can go home and think, "There is no way that I'd want to drink. There's no way I'd want to ever watch porn!" Our heart can feel sick at the very thought. And that is a huge blessing. 

The Barnabases among us.

BQ:  Acts 9 describes how Saul of Tarsus, after his experience with Jesus on the road to Damascus, was trying to associate with Christians. He had a tough go of it, since Christians avoided him like the plague—after all, he'd been murdering them. Let's read Acts 9:26-27 and see who helped him:

"When he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus."

Everyone knows a ton about Paul in the New Testament, but sometimes we gloss over what we view as "lesser" characters. Above, we saw that Barnabas was a very forgiving, kind, and, in his own fashion, brave man. What do you know about Barnabas? Over the next few days, we'll learn more about this awesome man.





BQ: Yesterday we saw that Paul was alone after his conversion, but Barnabas gave him a second chance and trusted him. Paul was always a fiery individual. Let's read Acts 15:36-41 and see some more about the character of Paul and Barnabas:

"After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.”  Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also. But Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus.  But Paul chose Silas and left."

Here we see that Paul was very upset over a past wrongdoing, and not willing to put up with a chance of a relapse on the part of John Mark. Ignoring that, though, look at what it reveals about Barnabas. When Paul was looking to overcome his horrible past, Barnabas came to him and helped him when no others world.    Barnabas, we can see, is a very loving, caring, kind, forgiving, and patient. 





BQ: We've seen that Barnabas was very courageous and willing to give people second chances. When Paul wanted to join the Christians, Barnabas was the one who was willing to help him out. When John Mark wanted to re-join after his defection, Barnabas gave him another chance. 

We can learn a lot more about Barnabas, who was an exceptional individual. We really first encounter him in Acts 4:36-37, which says, "Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), and who owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet."

Barnabas was not only forgiving, but giving as well, and a son of encouragement.  What we can also tell is that people of various personalities can do great things for God. Paul was also an awesome man, but not at all like Barnabas, yet they are both given recognition for helping people. 






BQ: Barnabas, we know, was encouraging, giving, forgiving, and willing to take risks to help people. We've also seen that, even in assemblies, a great person might have a sharp disagreement with you over something, as Paul did with Barnabas in regards to keeping John Mark around.  What can we learn from this?

One thing is to not let this hurt our self-worth.  No matter what Paul felt about Barnabas, Barnabas was still known as the Son of Encouragement. Also, disagreements aren't a reason to think poorly of the other person. Just like with Paul and Barnabas, we each serve a different purpose. Paul reached people that Barnabas didn't, and Barnabas reached people that Paul didn't. :) Don't let a squabble damage your ability to serve!




BQ: There's a lot to know about Barnabas. We've seen that, in many ways, he was simply a very kind and giving man. Acts 11:22-26 really highlights the need for people like him.

"They sent Barnabas off to Antioch.  Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord;  for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord. And he left for Tarsus to look for Saul;  and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch."

Barnabas is called a good man, and fully of the Holy Spirit and faith. His attitude is one of rejoicing and, as was his nature, encouragement. More than that, he was steadfast and resolute, and he brought many people to God. Barnabas also wasn't one to hog the limelight, but when he saw opportunity, he went to find Paul to help out! In fact, where Barnabas was teaching for an entire year was the first time we saw people being called Christians.

While certain people in the Bible get more attention than others, lesser-known individuals like Barnabas are just as important. :)  What can you learn from him?

Things to appreciate in Christian dating.

BQ: Because I'm a youngish single man, I'm always fairly interested in finding an awesome, Christian wife. One thing I've noticed, though, is that often Christian girls are like, "Yep, Christian dude, yawn," whereas non-Christian girls appreciate me a ton. Why might this be?

I think that Daniel starts with part of the answer in 12:3, "Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever." I'm not exactly full of insight, but I'm able to parrot what God says in the Bible, and I think that makes me shine a little brighter to some people in the world.

Luke 6:36-50 recounts a similar-ish thing, and in part it says, "“There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?43 Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.”"

People who are the most in the dark at times appreciate the light far more than those who are wandering around in broad daylight. And I'm not saying that I'm the light, but I do at least try and have my lantern shining, so maybe people are at least attracted to that! It's certainly an odd position for a young, Christian guy to be in. :)

BQ: As a single Christian, there are opportunities to date people who are also Christian. I try and always be mindful of how God views me, since my marriage to Christ comes first. If you're a Christian, what vibe do you give off?
 

I've seen some Christians that I wouldn't date because they fit into the mold of the sons of Gad and Reuben in Num 32:6, which says, "But Moses said to the sons of Gad and to the sons of Reuben, “Shall your brothers go to war while you yourselves sit here?" Often people will realize that they're kind of lazy and try to cloak it with nice words as Jehu did when he said, " “Come with me and see my zeal for the Lord.” (2 Kings 10:16)

If you're a real Christian, you probably want to see some real Christian attributes, and not just words. Why? 1 Thess 3:7 nails it: "In all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith."  If your partner is faithful to God, you'll always have a reason for comfort! 
 

Being on fire for God.

BQ: Some people, when you see them, are obviously on fire for God. For a long time now I've wanted to marry someone like that, because it's honestly the most beautiful attribute that someone can have. With that said, instead of doing a traditional (for me) Q/A type post, I'd like to make the next couple dedicated to the sort of passion that I find gorgeous. I hope these passages describe me, you, and I hope they'll describe my future wife.  Enjoy! [Day 1] :
 

"My heart was hot within me,

While I was musing the fire burned;

Then I spoke with my tongue!" (Ps 39:3) 

Thoughts: I particularly like this verse because of how it ends: then I spoke with my tongue. It's a gorgeous thing when people become so lit up that they make it known!
 

"But if I say, “I will not remember Him

Or speak anymore in His name,”

Then in my heart it becomes like a burning fire

Shut up in my bones;

And I am weary of holding it in,

And I cannot endure it." (Jer 20:9)

Thoughts: And this verse I love because in some ways it fits me very well. Sometimes I CAN'T shut up! I can't keep it locked inside! I have to return and speak up. When there is opportunity, it is difficult to NOT take it. :)





BQ: Day 2 of looking at verses about fiery passion! 

Jesus said the following, it describes exactly what I'm searching for when I look for friends while I'm here on this earth:

"I have come to cast fire upon the earth; and how I wish it were already kindled!" (Luke 12:49) This reminds me of when I'm having Bible studies and I see a spark start to develop! The urge to see it burst into flame is just about overpowering! How I wish it were already kindled. :)

"They said to one another, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?" (Luke 24:32) Don't you feel like this when you see the Word? You should! There was a time when I didn't, and man, those were the bad old days. I hope I never go back. :)

Playing games when you're dating.

BQ: In budding relationships, people sometimes try and pit one person against another to make themselves seem more valuable. What does God say about this?

A: "Wrath is fierce and anger is a flood, But who can stand before jealousy?" (Pro 27:4) If you check it out, Proverbs 6 mentions jealousy in the same manner, except it's associated with adultery. 

Jealousy in relationships is very unhealthy when it's created to manipulate someone, and it's considered even worse than anger and wrath. Don't use it as a tool or try to "play the game." Why begin a relationship with someone that's associated with failed marriages? Be open, honest, and loving instead.
 

Slipping back into bad habits.

BQ: What do you do if you're around those still captive to Satan and they're busy engaging in things that are evil? It's often tempting for us to think, "Man, I've got this. I won't stoop to that level," but what advice does God give us?

A: "A prudent man sees evil and hides himself, The naive proceed and pay the penalty. (Pro 27:12) 1 Cor 15:33 says the same, "Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals."

When we lead ourselves to believe that we're impervious to spiritual danger, we only expose ourselves as being naive. Instead of choosing bad company, choose to hang around with those who will make you stronger!




BQ:  There's a book by Dr. Seuss called, "Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now?"  It has lines like, "The time has come, the time is now, Marvin K. Mooney will you please go now?" God has a similar plea to us throughout the Bible. People always want to delay putting off worldliness, yet God always  asks that we do it soon! Why? Because,

"Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” 14 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away." (James 4:13-14)

Putting off changing assumes that we'll always have time to change in the future, but we don't know which moment will be the last future moment for us. Old, dead sinner, will you please go now? 







BQ:  Sometimes people become Christians and then decide that they can indulge in some bad habits, especially if they're not "too bad," as long as they don't go back into sinning "hardcore."  How does God feel about this? 

A: "But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again?" (Gal 4:9)

When we start that downhill slide, it's showing a desire to be enslaved again by Satan, so it's critical to not even step foot on that slippery slope. 






BQ: As a Christian, it's important to not return to worldliness. God's chosen people, the Israelites, repeatedly did this in the Old Testament, leading God to say such things as, "You too have done evil, even more than your forefathers; for behold, you are each one walking according to the stubbornness of his own evil heart, without listening to Me." (Jer 16:12)

Often when we return to worldliness, it's a sign of our own stubbornness, which is a shame, because we could be stubborn for God as opposed to against Him. God always reminds us to avoid evil, and He explains that going back to the world after finding Him is a chancy thing to do.  "For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first."  (2 Pet 2:20) When you play with fire, it's easy to get burned. The "oh duh, Lucas," solution is not to play with fire at all!





BQ:  We've looked at slipping back into worldliness, and 2 Tim 3:13 is actually very much related to this sort of topic. It says, "But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived." 

At first glance, this is only talking about evil men and fakes, right? The thing is, when we claim to be Christian, yet act like the world, what exactly does that make us? Yep! Fakes. Impostors. We end up both deceiving and being deceived, instead of edifying others and being edified. God ends up describing this sort of person as one whose "silver has become dross," whose "drink diluted with water." (Is 1:22)  

We all need to be very careful to avoid being cheap imitations of the real thing! 

What is self-control?

BQ: Moving on in looking at the fruits of the Spirit, I've taken a shine to self-control. I am a whole lot better with self-control than I used to be, but it took a lot of learning things the hard way to convince me that learning the easy way is preferable. What is self-control? 

A: Nothing too tricky this time. Most definitions agree that the original words carried the meaning of, "having power over, mastering, curbing, restraining." So what is self-control all about? Paul used the analogy of an athlete to help us understand, saying, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable." (1 Cor 9:24-25)

Sometimes we follow our desires down dark alleys rather than Christ's beautifully-lit path, indulging in any number of things—drinking, fornicating, or even just being mean. If we do, there's simply no way to say that we're like the athletes that Paul describes, who run for an eternal victory. 

Are you running with self-control?
 

BQ:  Sometimes, as Christians, we forget to examine ourselves, or we make light of our flaws. It can be easy to say that some of the fruits of the Spirit aren't all that important, or to say, "Well, I have ENOUGH of this attribute to get by, I 'spose." What warning does Paul give us?

A: 1 Cor 9:26 "So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." 

Sometimes we get preachy to others without examining ourselves very accurately, and it's really easy to do this where self-control is concerned, since we can kind of make it a gray area and say, "Well, I have a DECENT amount of self-control...ish." I don't sleep around...too much...just when I slip up. I don't get drunk...often. I'm above reproach...sometimes. 

As Christians, we need to hold ourselves to a high standard, to aim to be above reproach at all times, lest, as Paul says, we find ourselves disqualified.

BQ: I've been using 1 Cor 9 to look at self-control, where Paul relates self-control to athletes competing for a prize. There are two main focuses of self-control. One, and the one that is most often focused on, is refraining from doing what we know we shouldn't do. That's a good goal. What's the other aspect?

A: The other aspect of self-control is one I like better. Instead of refraining from doing what we shouldn't, it's making ourselves do what we know we should do, and aiming to be the best in it. 1 Cor 9:24 says, "24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win." 

If you're looking to exhibit more self-control in your life, don't just look to NOT DO bad things—aim to be the best in doing the best things. Matthew 22:37says it best: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." Don't aim for "not bad." Aim for "always great." 

BQ: What does God say that we are without self-control?

A: "A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls." (Proverbs 25:28) In ancient times, cities had walls as a first line of defense against enemies. Our adversary is Satan, and if we decide that self-control isn't that important, we're just like that city—totally undefended and pretty much useless.  Don't be a smashed up city—have some self-control!
 

BQ: As Christians, we must have self-control. What do we need to have control over? (BTW, Thayer's notes that "under control" denotes "making something a slave." Keep this in mind.)

A: This stuff's obvious, but it's important to review. Firstly, we need to restrain our bodies.  "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions(Rom 6:12).  “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be enslaved by anything" (1 Cor 6:12).

The concept of enslavement is pretty important. We really have two options: enslave our own bodies to do our will, or be enslaved/controlled by our lusts, and thus out of control ourselves. 
 

BQ: Today's the last day we'll spend on self-control. Yay, I know, FINALLY Necessary is done! :P The Bible differentiates the results of self-control and a lack of it. What does it specify?

A: Well, the bad stuff is mostly summed up in Gal 5:19-21: "Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these."

The opposing front which we should be more interested in is, "Finally, brethren, whatever is TRUE, whatever is HONORABLE, whatever is RIGHT, whatever is PURE, whatever is LOVABLE and GRACIOUS, whatever is COMMENDABLE, if there is any EXCELLENCE and if anything WORTHY OF PRAISE, dwell on these things." (Phil 4:8)

It's easy to assess your self-control by looking at what you dwell on. If you're envious, drunk, thinking about some rivalry, etc., you're doin' it wrong. Choose some excellence instead. It'll make your life way better! 

What is patience?

BQ: There are various fruits of the Spirit, and now I'm startin' to look at patience, which is probably the one I need to look at the most. Broadly, what is patience as seen in the Bible?

A: Various theological lexicons agree that patience from the original texts can be viewed as "the self-restraint which does not hastily retaliate for a wrong—as opposed to wrath or revenge; a long holding out of the mind, before it gives room to action or to passion." 

God's patience can be seen with Saul of Tarsus (later Paul) who murdered many Christians. As Paul notes in 1 Tim 1:16, "I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life." 

While the above doesn't seem that astounding at face value, put yourself in God's place. Often times we don't have patience with people who simply irritate us with little things, yet God had patience with Paul as Paul did much worse. Do you hastily retaliate for a wrong, or do you look far down the road to possible reconciliation?

BQ: Yesterday we started a look into patience and saw that it's a slowness to retaliate. What can patience accomplish in relationships?

A: Ephesians 4:1-3 discusses patience and notes that we should, "walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

 Many relationships lack peace—between friends, spouses; you name it—but often patience is missing too.  The result of patience is both the preservation of unity and the creation of peace, and if we want to be worthy of bearing the title, "Christian," we have to master our passion and have patience. How much patience do you have? 

BQ: A particular problem of mine is hard to really articulate. When I see something un-Christlike, I often have the ugly habit of being irritated, but in a retaliatory sense (and obviously I'm not spotless myself, so it's an even less-attractive quality).  What does God say my response should be?

A: 2 Tim 4:2 "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction." 

Instead of being a snot about things, I should be learning to provide accurate, patient instruction, helping and assisting whoever I'm irritated with to unlock their potential for greatness. It's the same thing that I'd want for myself, and it's impossible to accomplish without patience.


 

BQ: Patience is somewhat unique in who it should be applied to. 1 Thess 5:14 says, "We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone." 

Notice that the solution for the unruly is admonishment and to assist the fainthearted requires encouragement, but patience is a requirement in dealing with every single person we encounter. I often want to have "selective patience," but God's pretty clear that I'm in the wrong if I go down that road. Do you have patience with all people? 


 

BQ: When someone does you wrong, it's payback time, right? Patience, as we saw, is a long abstinence from retaliation. Matthew 18:21-22 says, "Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”  Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven."

Think about everything we've learned about patience.  It's something that we must have with everyone, forgiveness requires it, and it both creates peace and preserves unity in relationships. How much patience do you have? How could your relationships be improved through being steadfast in patience?