Over the past few decades in my study of scripture I have found certain similarities in God’s Word; from book to book. Even from the old testament to the new testament.
These 5 common qualities have become the building blocks of my faith.
As God has progressed our Ministry from a vision to a beautiful reality – these build blocks have become the pillars of truth that the Father’s Garden exist upon.
Humility:
Philippians 2: 6 -8, Though he was God he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.
Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form he HUMBLED himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
We need go no further than Paul’s description of how Jesus submitted Himself to the will of God. This is the model those who claim the name of Christ Jesus are called to. In Galatians 2:20 Paul claims to have been crucified with Christ and now he (Paul) no longer lives but rather Christ lives in him.
This is the heart of our Savior – He died so others (us) may live!
Paul affirms that this is not a figurative declaration.
Colossians 3:12, Therefore as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on the tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering…
The God of All gave His Son that we may be redeemed, certainly! He also admonishes His children to walk as Jesus did as well.
Contrition:
Working in youth ministry for so long I had so many young Christians ask about “life verses”. More often than not I would refer them to Ephesians 2: 8-10:
“For it is by Grace you have been saved, through faith—and it is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
The Holy Spirit said so much in Paul’s writing. Redemption is a gift, predicated on Grace, Grace comes from God’s Nature – The Father’s Nature produced His Perfect and abundant love. The price, well that was paid when Jesus’, in a self-less act, suffered and died for us!
The harsh reality is that we, His children, we are not major players in any of this.
His idea His sacrifice. We are Blessed to be the benefactors. As the authenticity of this immeasurable act of love is realized – our hearts become acutely aware of just how great our God is.
Isaiah 66:2 “Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being? Declares the Lord. These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and CONTRITE in spirit, and who tremble at My word.”
Compassion:
Ephesians 4:2 “Be completely humble & gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love”
My children often remind me of the Jesus’ interaction with Martha and Mary. When I get worked up making a holiday meal or I’m feeling the pressure of a looming deadline – one of my beautiful offspring will gently say “Oh Martha Martha”. Incredibly Jesus calmed Martha’s heart by pointing out that in this moment of crisis – she walked by the miracle of being in God’s presence.
Jesus confused His audience when He said in Matthew 35 -36 “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, and you came to visit me.”
The listeners could not remember any of these times and they asked their Rabbi – when did they do any of these things. Our Savior enlightened them in verse 40 “The King will reply, “truly I tell you whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters, you did for me”
No matter what this journey of life presents – we are eternally saturated in God’s perfect love. He gives this love, unconditionally, not for us to covet, but to share.
Obedience:
All believers make adjustments when they first ask Jesus to be their Lord and Master. Some more than others. Again using myself as an example; the life changes I have made are far more extreme than the vast majority of humandom!
2 Timothy 1:7 “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self discipline” This helps me to remember that the change that we have experienced is a miracle. We are not obliged to be obedient to God’s precept This submission is the result of our appreciation for this miracle.
Psalm 119:88 “In your unfailing love preserve my life, that I may obey the statutes of your mouth”
Discipline:
Our relationship with Jesus is eternal. But we walk hand in hand with Him on daily basis. It is essential that we are in fervent prayer. Constant praise. That we not only read His Word, but that we consume it through meditation. Reaching out to other believers. Encouraging each other, as well as rejoicing in our Father’s presence. Seeking to be the Father’s Hands & Feet.
In the tyranny of the urgent that we call life – we must be intentional in these functions. Once again Paul provides insight in 1 Corinthians 9:26 & 27, “Therefore I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize”
