Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
You will most likely agree with me that our society is plagued by a lack of self-control. All anyone has to do is tune into the local news to hear about the latest shooting, stabbing, or abuse victim. Often, once the perpetrator has been brought to justice we hear how they somehow had "just lost control". These losses of self-control are often a result of drugs or alcohol which unlocks the chains that are keeping the person's from acting on the situation. These losses of self-control wreak havoc on our neighborhoods and families.
Lack of self-control is as old as sin itself. I believe there is a reason that self-control is the last fruit of the Spirit listed by Paul in the fifth chapter of Galatians. Without self-control the other fruit are constrained, so to speak, especially if the deeds of the flesh are allowed to interrupt the working of the Spirit. We should think of self-control as the "watchman" that ensures the old selfish sin nature stays dead and buried so that the Holy Spirit has free reign in our hearts to cultivate the other eight fruits without being inhibited. Self-control is essential to arbitrate between the life that we once lived as a sinner and the life which the Lord desires we grow in as a believer.
In the book of Acts, Paul spoke to Felix regarding the Roman governor's eternal security. Acts 24:25 states: But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, "Go away for the present, and when I find time I will summon you." Notice how self-control is sandwiched between righteousness and judgment. It is one thing to know the righteousness of God in Christ and it is another to live it out daily through constant acts of self-control. Paul stated in I Corinthians 15:31 ... I die daily. By living a self-controlled life, Paul knew that he was allowing the righteousness of the Lord to reign thus preparing himself for judgment not only in this life but in the one to come. Living a surrendered life requires us to judge ourselves in this lifetime and not waiting for the Lord's judgments on the last day. Allowing the Jesus to take the reins of our hearts, is to allow Him the rightful control and to focus us on finishing our respective races.
Paul must have loved of sports. In several passages he uses sports metaphor to convey a particular message. In I Corinthians 9:25 he states: Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. In the previous verse, Paul uses the example of a runner while making the point as to "run in such a way as to win". It is one thing to say that we desire to live a crucified life to our passions and desires but it's another to live out a disciplined life day after day. Athletes in Paul’s day as well as today's athletes must lay aside their former lives of selfishness and carnal living and beat their bodies with a new set of habits and standards that will allow them to reach their goal. There is no substitution for a daily, rigorous routine that is marked by training meant to establish regular habits in accordance with our goal. In the same way, God requires each of us who call Him Lord to daily turn over our will and life to Him.
There is a joy that we all experience as we develop new habits and we finally reach a point in our lives where these new character traits testify of the fruit of self-control as the Holy Spirit intended. The fact that self-control is the last of the nine fruits does not diminish its importance. Instead, it is the fruit that will ultimately allow righteousness to manifest through the other eight fruits. While our society continues to teeter on the brink of insanity, and as people struggle to keep "under control" in an increasingly uncontrollable world it is comforting to know that our God has given His children the ability to live a life controlled by His Spirit. All we have to do is trust in Jesus and rely on the empowering Spirit of God in order to live as a self-controlled man or woman surrendered completely to God.
For the past 10 weeks we have been looking at the Godly attributes that should control our daily life. These should be a reflected in our daily walk.
Let me end this series with this poem by Emily McAdams
The Fruit of the Spirit
We need to pray to God each day,
For His Spirit to fill our soul.
So we can experience His many fruits,
Just as Paul, His apostle told.
Because Jesus is our Savior,
His Spirit dwells within.
Let’s daily pray for self-control.
He’ll help us turn from sin.
If we love the Lord our Sovereign God
With all our heart, mind and being,
And love our neighbors as ourselves,
What joy and peace we’ll be seeing.
We should treat all others with kindness,
And practice patience in all we face.
Then our faithfulness will be evident,
At all times in every place.
Gentleness is a form of humility,
And a trait we all should show.
Then goodness and mercy will follow,
As His fruits from our heart does flow.
Tommy--one counted among the redeemed
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
LIFE BY THE SPIRIT--GENTLENESS
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.
This week I’d like us to consider the Godly attribute of gentleness.
To me gentleness is something that directly impacts every person in our lives. Gentleness potentially has a huge impact on how we treat other people and perhaps even how those people treat themselves.
One dictionary definition is, "Considerate or kindly in disposition; amiable and tender." Tender, how often do we hear that word? And how often do we treat other people with love and tenderness? Not too often, huh?
Our society seems to value those who speak candidly. Being blunt is considered to be a positive attribute. Whoever speaks the loudest these days is the person to whom we listen. We have radio hosts like Howard Stern. Media favorites like Rosie O'Donnell. And outspoken critics like Bill O'Reilly. On our TVs and on our radios every single day, but few people are talking about tenderness.
And I admit I'm not much better. I've been known for my bluntness. At times it serves me well at work, but not in too many other places. I believe it is okay, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, to tell a person how they can grow in Christ, what steps they need to take to be closer to God or areas in their spiritual lives which need improvement. But it’s not okay to speak harshly, to tell my friends, family and strangers why their lives are a mess, why they need to get themselves together or why they are falling so far short of their individual marks in a way that is judgmental and cruel. But sometimes I fail in this area…but God is growing this attribute in me and over the last couple of months I have learned God values discretion, gentleness, and yes - tenderness - in our dealings with people. It shows so clearly in Proverbs 15:1, where it says: A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.A soft word turns aside bad feelings, strife and discord. But words that are harsh just stir things up. This is a good proverb for all of us to know.
And you know what I’m learning? Being harsh towards someone else never solves a problem. It just engenders bad feelings. You've seen this for yourself - you've been in many situations where something happened where you felt that the proper response included 'breaking someone down' (i.e., cutting another person up emotionally and exposing their faults to the world). Have you ever seen it help? I mean think about it, really? I even go and tell my friends about it and most of the time they cheer me on. But where did I end up? Feeling badly because the Holy Spirit has reminded me that I shouldn't treat people that way, It leaves the other person bitter, angry, embarrassed and hurt. And I have definitely not made that other person see his or her real or imagined faults. People automatically rush to defend themselves, right or wrong, in the face of an onslaught. And that's what I was - an onslaught. Remember - HARSHNESS BEGATS HARSHNESS. I don't believe you or I will ever get anywhere as long as we treat people unkindly. Instead heed the words of 2 Timothy 2:24, And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
But you know what I have seen work? Calmly talking to another person about what's going on. Asking that person how he or she sees things instead of always forcing your point of view on that person. Taking the time to explain how some situation or unkind word affected you - not assuming that person knows and simply doesn't care. In other words, it’s being kind instead of boisterous, self-righteous or hard.
Gentleness is what Jesus showed his disciples as they asked him question after question. He never lost patience. He always spoke gently. And he equipped those disciples to spread the Gospel throughout the world. That shows clearly the power of a kind word.
Can you show gentleness to those who are around you? Can you practice tenderness as you help guide your spiritual brothers and sisters on their own spiritual journeys? Colossians 3:12 tells us, Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Gentleness…something the world could use a whole lot more of...
To be continued…
Tommy—one counted among the redeemed.
This week I’d like us to consider the Godly attribute of gentleness.
To me gentleness is something that directly impacts every person in our lives. Gentleness potentially has a huge impact on how we treat other people and perhaps even how those people treat themselves.
One dictionary definition is, "Considerate or kindly in disposition; amiable and tender." Tender, how often do we hear that word? And how often do we treat other people with love and tenderness? Not too often, huh?
Our society seems to value those who speak candidly. Being blunt is considered to be a positive attribute. Whoever speaks the loudest these days is the person to whom we listen. We have radio hosts like Howard Stern. Media favorites like Rosie O'Donnell. And outspoken critics like Bill O'Reilly. On our TVs and on our radios every single day, but few people are talking about tenderness.
And I admit I'm not much better. I've been known for my bluntness. At times it serves me well at work, but not in too many other places. I believe it is okay, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, to tell a person how they can grow in Christ, what steps they need to take to be closer to God or areas in their spiritual lives which need improvement. But it’s not okay to speak harshly, to tell my friends, family and strangers why their lives are a mess, why they need to get themselves together or why they are falling so far short of their individual marks in a way that is judgmental and cruel. But sometimes I fail in this area…but God is growing this attribute in me and over the last couple of months I have learned God values discretion, gentleness, and yes - tenderness - in our dealings with people. It shows so clearly in Proverbs 15:1, where it says: A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.A soft word turns aside bad feelings, strife and discord. But words that are harsh just stir things up. This is a good proverb for all of us to know.
And you know what I’m learning? Being harsh towards someone else never solves a problem. It just engenders bad feelings. You've seen this for yourself - you've been in many situations where something happened where you felt that the proper response included 'breaking someone down' (i.e., cutting another person up emotionally and exposing their faults to the world). Have you ever seen it help? I mean think about it, really? I even go and tell my friends about it and most of the time they cheer me on. But where did I end up? Feeling badly because the Holy Spirit has reminded me that I shouldn't treat people that way, It leaves the other person bitter, angry, embarrassed and hurt. And I have definitely not made that other person see his or her real or imagined faults. People automatically rush to defend themselves, right or wrong, in the face of an onslaught. And that's what I was - an onslaught. Remember - HARSHNESS BEGATS HARSHNESS. I don't believe you or I will ever get anywhere as long as we treat people unkindly. Instead heed the words of 2 Timothy 2:24, And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
But you know what I have seen work? Calmly talking to another person about what's going on. Asking that person how he or she sees things instead of always forcing your point of view on that person. Taking the time to explain how some situation or unkind word affected you - not assuming that person knows and simply doesn't care. In other words, it’s being kind instead of boisterous, self-righteous or hard.
Gentleness is what Jesus showed his disciples as they asked him question after question. He never lost patience. He always spoke gently. And he equipped those disciples to spread the Gospel throughout the world. That shows clearly the power of a kind word.
Can you show gentleness to those who are around you? Can you practice tenderness as you help guide your spiritual brothers and sisters on their own spiritual journeys? Colossians 3:12 tells us, Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Gentleness…something the world could use a whole lot more of...
To be continued…
Tommy—one counted among the redeemed.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
LIFE BY THE SPIRIT—FAITHFULNESS
Faithfulness is the seventh attribute the Holy Spirit desires to implant into our daily walk. In the New Testament the Greek word is pistos and is often used in the context of conviction of belief in respect to God and Christ. But it is also used to describe the quality of faithfulness which as been explained as “the character of one who can be relied on”.
While many claim this attribute the wisdom of Proverbs 20:6 tells us it is a hard virtue to find. Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find? The Psalmist tells us about the lack of faithfulness in his day. Psalm 12:1-2, Help, LORD, for no one is faithful anymore; those who are loyal have vanished from the human race. 2 Everyone lies to their neighbor; they flatter with their lips but harbor deception in their hearts. Sounds a lot like the present days we live in but faithfulness is essential for those who would receive the crown of life. Revelation 2:10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.
To encourage the development of this attribute in our lives let’s first look at Jesus as our example and then share together a few areas in which we need great faithfulness.
Jesus was faithful in fulfilling His role as the Son of God. He was faithful in carrying out the work given Him. These passages from John’s Gospel back this fact up.
John 4:34 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.
John 5:30 By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.
John 6:38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.
John 8:29 The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.
Jesus is also faithful in the role of being our high priest. Hebrews 2:17-18 For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Jesus is faithful because He understands our weakness. Hebrews 4:14-15 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
Jesus is faithful because He richly supplies with grace and mercy. Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Isn’t wonderful to have a Savior upon whom we can rely?
Some ways we need to be more faithful to God and Christ:
• We need to be faithful in the way we use our gifts, talents, abilities and opportunities. Too often we are like the man in Jesus’ parable that buried their talent and this displeases the Lord. Like Moses at the burning bush we make excuses, but for every excuse we can come up with, God can provide a way for us to be faithful. We may need to begin to be faithful in small things in order to be faithful when the going gets tough.
• We need to be faithful to our church. The family of God always has a need for people who are truly faithful. Lack of faithfulness to the church can be seen in several ways. By the forsaking the assembly of ourselves; church attendance. We might need to ask ourselves if everybody else were only as faithful as I am what kind of church would we have. Consider this example of "faithfulness" to the church... Grandma Taw Bow, a resident of Thailand, does not impress strangers. She is small of stature, bent with age, her hands and fingers gnarled with arthritis. She often stands quietly to one side. Her name translated into English means "Always." Despite her unimpressive physical appearance, Grandma Always has inspired her missionary friends and Thai Christians by her faithfulness. A widow and over ninety years of age, she lives as a servant in a Thai home. Every Sunday she walks two miles to church. Out of her income of five cents a day, she regularly gives one day's wages to the Lord every week. When her missionary friends drive her home from church services, she gets out, and bows her head in an audible prayer for the missionaries and the work of Christ in Thailand. One missionary says, "The thought of Grandma Always' faithfulness humbles and deepens us." (A Dictionary Of Christian Illustrations, p. 121) What every church needs is more Grandma Always!
• We need to be more faithful to our families. Fathers need to be faithful in fulfilling their spiritual roles. Mothers need to be more faithful in fulfilling their family responsibilities. And of course husband and wives need to be faithful to each other in their respective duties. Children, you also have a need to be faithful to your parents.
In his commentary William Barclay ended his examination of this word in this way: "Pistos is indeed a great word. It describes the man on whose faithful service we may rely, on whose loyalty we may depend, whose word we can unreservedly accept. It describes the man in whom there is the unswerving and inflexible fidelity of Jesus Christ, and the utter dependability of God."
Will you not strive to be faithful, in your service to God, in the use of your gifts, in your church and in your family?
To be continued…
Tommy—one counted among the redeemed
Faithfulness is the seventh attribute the Holy Spirit desires to implant into our daily walk. In the New Testament the Greek word is pistos and is often used in the context of conviction of belief in respect to God and Christ. But it is also used to describe the quality of faithfulness which as been explained as “the character of one who can be relied on”.
While many claim this attribute the wisdom of Proverbs 20:6 tells us it is a hard virtue to find. Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find? The Psalmist tells us about the lack of faithfulness in his day. Psalm 12:1-2, Help, LORD, for no one is faithful anymore; those who are loyal have vanished from the human race. 2 Everyone lies to their neighbor; they flatter with their lips but harbor deception in their hearts. Sounds a lot like the present days we live in but faithfulness is essential for those who would receive the crown of life. Revelation 2:10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.
To encourage the development of this attribute in our lives let’s first look at Jesus as our example and then share together a few areas in which we need great faithfulness.
Jesus was faithful in fulfilling His role as the Son of God. He was faithful in carrying out the work given Him. These passages from John’s Gospel back this fact up.
John 4:34 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.
John 5:30 By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.
John 6:38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.
John 8:29 The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.
Jesus is also faithful in the role of being our high priest. Hebrews 2:17-18 For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Jesus is faithful because He understands our weakness. Hebrews 4:14-15 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
Jesus is faithful because He richly supplies with grace and mercy. Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Isn’t wonderful to have a Savior upon whom we can rely?
Some ways we need to be more faithful to God and Christ:
• We need to be faithful in the way we use our gifts, talents, abilities and opportunities. Too often we are like the man in Jesus’ parable that buried their talent and this displeases the Lord. Like Moses at the burning bush we make excuses, but for every excuse we can come up with, God can provide a way for us to be faithful. We may need to begin to be faithful in small things in order to be faithful when the going gets tough.
• We need to be faithful to our church. The family of God always has a need for people who are truly faithful. Lack of faithfulness to the church can be seen in several ways. By the forsaking the assembly of ourselves; church attendance. We might need to ask ourselves if everybody else were only as faithful as I am what kind of church would we have. Consider this example of "faithfulness" to the church... Grandma Taw Bow, a resident of Thailand, does not impress strangers. She is small of stature, bent with age, her hands and fingers gnarled with arthritis. She often stands quietly to one side. Her name translated into English means "Always." Despite her unimpressive physical appearance, Grandma Always has inspired her missionary friends and Thai Christians by her faithfulness. A widow and over ninety years of age, she lives as a servant in a Thai home. Every Sunday she walks two miles to church. Out of her income of five cents a day, she regularly gives one day's wages to the Lord every week. When her missionary friends drive her home from church services, she gets out, and bows her head in an audible prayer for the missionaries and the work of Christ in Thailand. One missionary says, "The thought of Grandma Always' faithfulness humbles and deepens us." (A Dictionary Of Christian Illustrations, p. 121) What every church needs is more Grandma Always!
• We need to be more faithful to our families. Fathers need to be faithful in fulfilling their spiritual roles. Mothers need to be more faithful in fulfilling their family responsibilities. And of course husband and wives need to be faithful to each other in their respective duties. Children, you also have a need to be faithful to your parents.
In his commentary William Barclay ended his examination of this word in this way: "Pistos is indeed a great word. It describes the man on whose faithful service we may rely, on whose loyalty we may depend, whose word we can unreservedly accept. It describes the man in whom there is the unswerving and inflexible fidelity of Jesus Christ, and the utter dependability of God."
Will you not strive to be faithful, in your service to God, in the use of your gifts, in your church and in your family?
To be continued…
Tommy—one counted among the redeemed
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
LIFE BY THE SPIRIT—GOODNESS
Of all the attributes that the Holy Spirits wants to install into our character Goodness is the most difficult for me to grasp. It may be because this single attribute of God’s personality is so complete. God’s goodness is not an occasional manifestation toward us, it is His very nature. He is always working for the good of those that love Him and are called according to his purpose. His motives toward us are always good. His watch-care over us is always good. His provisions for us are always good.
We consider ourselves to be good or bad by the things we do, say or participate in, and by our understanding good is a relative term. If the word gooder was a word it would be the word we use to describe the things we do, say or participate in. For instance we might rebuild a porch on the house of a widow because her old one was rotten and dangerous. When we are finished the porch would be gooder than the old one and we might consider ourselves gooder for having done it. While the act of building the porch was a manifestation of goodness and an indication that we are capable of doing good things it is not proof that we have obtained the fruit of goodness as defined in our focus verse. You and I both know lost people that are generous and continually do good things. I guess what I’m trying to say is that the fruit described as goodness is not a relative thing. We tend to think of goodness in relative terms (good, gooder, goodest) but the attribute of goodness that we strive for through the Holy Spirit is not relative-it is completely good just as God is good.
The word good has so many uses that one dictionary, The Reader's Digest Complete Oxford Word Finder, devotes an entire 6" x 9½" page in very fine type to list them! We use it to indicate competence (good at math); reliability (good brakes); strength (good eyesight); kindness (good of you to come); moral excellence (good deed or good works); behavior (good child); enjoyment (a good party); thoroughness (gave it a good wash); immensity in number (a good many people); beneficence (milk is good for you); soundness (a good reason); expedience (thought it good to have a try); freshness (is the meat still good); worthiness (good old George); attractiveness (has good legs); moral rightness (did it for your own good); promise (good news); a desirable end (sacrificing the present for future good); favor (a good review). There are many more, but this is sufficient to give us an overview of some of this very versatile word's uses in everyday English. It is used as a noun, adjective and adverb and is the root of the word "goodness." The common idea in almost all of its uses is that it suggests a desirable quality, something commendable, reliable, welcome, enjoyable, beneficent, kind, noble, admirable, exemplary and very much welcome. In the word "goodness," the inner qualities of virtue, excellence of character, morality and attitude that we see in a person's behavior come out.
So how does our goodness manifest itself? I think our goodness has to mirror/reflect God’s goodness toward us.
• Psalms 107:1, Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting.
• Psalms 31:19, How great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast stored up for those who fear Thee, which Thou hast wrought for those who take refuge in Thee, before the sons of men!
The goodness of God is prominent in the opening chapters of the Bible. Repeatedly, God pronounced everything which He created good.
The goodness of God appears to be the sum total of all of God’s attributes. The goodness of God may be viewed as one facet of His glorious nature and character and also the sum total of His nature and character. Exodus 33:19, Then Moses said, “I pray Thee, show me Thy glory!” And He said, “I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the LORD before you; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion”
We cannot separate what is good from God. You cannot have goodness without God, just as you cannot have God without goodness. God alone is good. James tells us this in James 1:17, Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow. We simply cannot separate “good” from “God.” Here is where our society, and especially our educational system, had better take note. You cannot teach values, you cannot teach morality, without teaching about God. “Be ye holy,” God said, “for I am holy”
The goodness of God is a life-transforming truth. God’s wrath is good. God’s holiness is good. God’s righteousness is good. There is nothing about God that is not good. There is nothing God purposes for His children that is not good. God gives to His children only that which is good. And He withholds nothing good from us. God is good, and He is at work in our lives for good. Nothing which God creates, nothing which God accomplishes, is not good.
Let me conclude by considering ways the goodness of God should intersect our attitudes and actions.
• We must take this truth of God’s goodness one more step. God allows nothing to happen to the Christian which is not good. We all know this passage well: And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to [His] purpose. Romans 8:28. We may be convinced of God’s goodness and yet doubt that everything which happens to us is good. Whatever comes into the life of the Christian is a part of God’s purpose to bring about our good and His glory.
• We all like to say “God is good; all the time God is good!” But when we are faced with the harsh trails of this life can we still say it, even in the hurt and the loneliness when even our friends desert us? Do we still say, “God is good!”?
• The goodness of God is evident in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel is the “good news”. Do we share this good news, which is the extreme way God shows His goodness, with those we know need it?
To be continued…
Tommy—one counted among the redeemed
We consider ourselves to be good or bad by the things we do, say or participate in, and by our understanding good is a relative term. If the word gooder was a word it would be the word we use to describe the things we do, say or participate in. For instance we might rebuild a porch on the house of a widow because her old one was rotten and dangerous. When we are finished the porch would be gooder than the old one and we might consider ourselves gooder for having done it. While the act of building the porch was a manifestation of goodness and an indication that we are capable of doing good things it is not proof that we have obtained the fruit of goodness as defined in our focus verse. You and I both know lost people that are generous and continually do good things. I guess what I’m trying to say is that the fruit described as goodness is not a relative thing. We tend to think of goodness in relative terms (good, gooder, goodest) but the attribute of goodness that we strive for through the Holy Spirit is not relative-it is completely good just as God is good.
The word good has so many uses that one dictionary, The Reader's Digest Complete Oxford Word Finder, devotes an entire 6" x 9½" page in very fine type to list them! We use it to indicate competence (good at math); reliability (good brakes); strength (good eyesight); kindness (good of you to come); moral excellence (good deed or good works); behavior (good child); enjoyment (a good party); thoroughness (gave it a good wash); immensity in number (a good many people); beneficence (milk is good for you); soundness (a good reason); expedience (thought it good to have a try); freshness (is the meat still good); worthiness (good old George); attractiveness (has good legs); moral rightness (did it for your own good); promise (good news); a desirable end (sacrificing the present for future good); favor (a good review). There are many more, but this is sufficient to give us an overview of some of this very versatile word's uses in everyday English. It is used as a noun, adjective and adverb and is the root of the word "goodness." The common idea in almost all of its uses is that it suggests a desirable quality, something commendable, reliable, welcome, enjoyable, beneficent, kind, noble, admirable, exemplary and very much welcome. In the word "goodness," the inner qualities of virtue, excellence of character, morality and attitude that we see in a person's behavior come out.
So how does our goodness manifest itself? I think our goodness has to mirror/reflect God’s goodness toward us.
• Psalms 107:1, Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting.
• Psalms 31:19, How great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast stored up for those who fear Thee, which Thou hast wrought for those who take refuge in Thee, before the sons of men!
The goodness of God is prominent in the opening chapters of the Bible. Repeatedly, God pronounced everything which He created good.
The goodness of God appears to be the sum total of all of God’s attributes. The goodness of God may be viewed as one facet of His glorious nature and character and also the sum total of His nature and character. Exodus 33:19, Then Moses said, “I pray Thee, show me Thy glory!” And He said, “I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the LORD before you; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion”
We cannot separate what is good from God. You cannot have goodness without God, just as you cannot have God without goodness. God alone is good. James tells us this in James 1:17, Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow. We simply cannot separate “good” from “God.” Here is where our society, and especially our educational system, had better take note. You cannot teach values, you cannot teach morality, without teaching about God. “Be ye holy,” God said, “for I am holy”
The goodness of God is a life-transforming truth. God’s wrath is good. God’s holiness is good. God’s righteousness is good. There is nothing about God that is not good. There is nothing God purposes for His children that is not good. God gives to His children only that which is good. And He withholds nothing good from us. God is good, and He is at work in our lives for good. Nothing which God creates, nothing which God accomplishes, is not good.
Let me conclude by considering ways the goodness of God should intersect our attitudes and actions.
• We must take this truth of God’s goodness one more step. God allows nothing to happen to the Christian which is not good. We all know this passage well: And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to [His] purpose. Romans 8:28. We may be convinced of God’s goodness and yet doubt that everything which happens to us is good. Whatever comes into the life of the Christian is a part of God’s purpose to bring about our good and His glory.
• We all like to say “God is good; all the time God is good!” But when we are faced with the harsh trails of this life can we still say it, even in the hurt and the loneliness when even our friends desert us? Do we still say, “God is good!”?
• The goodness of God is evident in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel is the “good news”. Do we share this good news, which is the extreme way God shows His goodness, with those we know need it?
To be continued…
Tommy—one counted among the redeemed
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
LIFE BY THE SPIRIT—KINDNESS
As a result of more people being impatient, having short fuses, and with everyone always being in a hurry – many people have lost the ability to treat others with kindness and respect. A kind word, a kind action to another person can really do wonders for them.
When you study the life of Jesus in the New Testament, you can really tell how kind He always was with other people in His dealings with them. The quality of kindness goes hand in hand with the quality of love. Once the Holy Spirit starts to transmit His love up into you, the quality of kindness will follow right along with it. It will then become much easier for you to be able to be kind to others once the love of God starts to flow more into your personality.
You cannot help but be more kind to others if God’s love is flowing through you. This is why the quality of love has to be the main quality that you really concentrate on getting more of from the Holy Spirit. Once the love of God starts to flow and operate through you to touch others, many of the other fruits of the Holy Spirit will then start to follow right after it in domino fashion.
Think about a time when someone did something kind for you. Was it something that you demanded to be done? Did you ask for it? Did you expect it? In most cases the answer is no. Maybe the kindness was when someone held the door for you. Or maybe when the car ahead of you gracious let you make that lane change. Maybe a friend gave you a hug when you needed it most. There are many ways to show kindness.
Kindness Meets Needs: Kindness brings joy. Kindness lets others know someone cares for them. There is no better example of kindness than looking at God’s kindness towards us.
Kindness is Part of Love: First Corinthians 13:4 says “love suffers long and is kind”.
Kindness Caused God to Make Us: God says it was His loving kindness that created us in Jeremiah 31:3 NKJV: “The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with loving kindness I have drawn you.”
Kindness Causes God to Sustain Us: The psalmist knew it was God’s loving kindness that keeps him: “Let Your loving kindness and Your truth continually preserve me” (Psalm 40:11).
Kindness is the Root of God’s Mercy: Even the rebel Jonah knew God’s loving kindness. Jonah 4:2 NKJV says “for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in loving kindness, One who relents from doing harm.”
We were created in God's image. As a result, we have the same capacity to extend kindness that God has. Are you wondering how to start being kind? Here are a few suggestions:
• Visit someone in the hospital. Your presence could be a gift from God to the person you are visiting.
• Send a birthday card to let someone know you care.
• Bake some cookies for your family, neighbors or coworkers.
• Help an elderly person who has too many packages to carry.
• Call someone like a family member or friend you've lost touch with.
Did you notice how kindness only happens with an action? Visit, send, bake, carry, call…these are all actions. These all require some form of action on our part. Kindness shows up when we act.
James said faith without works is dead (James 2:17). I say the same thing holds true for kindness. You can't be kind if you never offer kindness in some way. Start today. Show some kindness to someone and watch how God is glorified. Don’t just make kindness a random act, make kindness a part of your walk.
To be continued…
Tommy—one counted among the redeemed
When you study the life of Jesus in the New Testament, you can really tell how kind He always was with other people in His dealings with them. The quality of kindness goes hand in hand with the quality of love. Once the Holy Spirit starts to transmit His love up into you, the quality of kindness will follow right along with it. It will then become much easier for you to be able to be kind to others once the love of God starts to flow more into your personality.
You cannot help but be more kind to others if God’s love is flowing through you. This is why the quality of love has to be the main quality that you really concentrate on getting more of from the Holy Spirit. Once the love of God starts to flow and operate through you to touch others, many of the other fruits of the Holy Spirit will then start to follow right after it in domino fashion.
Think about a time when someone did something kind for you. Was it something that you demanded to be done? Did you ask for it? Did you expect it? In most cases the answer is no. Maybe the kindness was when someone held the door for you. Or maybe when the car ahead of you gracious let you make that lane change. Maybe a friend gave you a hug when you needed it most. There are many ways to show kindness.
Kindness Meets Needs: Kindness brings joy. Kindness lets others know someone cares for them. There is no better example of kindness than looking at God’s kindness towards us.
Kindness is Part of Love: First Corinthians 13:4 says “love suffers long and is kind”.
Kindness Caused God to Make Us: God says it was His loving kindness that created us in Jeremiah 31:3 NKJV: “The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with loving kindness I have drawn you.”
Kindness Causes God to Sustain Us: The psalmist knew it was God’s loving kindness that keeps him: “Let Your loving kindness and Your truth continually preserve me” (Psalm 40:11).
Kindness is the Root of God’s Mercy: Even the rebel Jonah knew God’s loving kindness. Jonah 4:2 NKJV says “for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in loving kindness, One who relents from doing harm.”
We were created in God's image. As a result, we have the same capacity to extend kindness that God has. Are you wondering how to start being kind? Here are a few suggestions:
• Visit someone in the hospital. Your presence could be a gift from God to the person you are visiting.
• Send a birthday card to let someone know you care.
• Bake some cookies for your family, neighbors or coworkers.
• Help an elderly person who has too many packages to carry.
• Call someone like a family member or friend you've lost touch with.
Did you notice how kindness only happens with an action? Visit, send, bake, carry, call…these are all actions. These all require some form of action on our part. Kindness shows up when we act.
James said faith without works is dead (James 2:17). I say the same thing holds true for kindness. You can't be kind if you never offer kindness in some way. Start today. Show some kindness to someone and watch how God is glorified. Don’t just make kindness a random act, make kindness a part of your walk.
To be continued…
Tommy—one counted among the redeemed
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)