In the first prime-time news conference of his presidency, President Barack Obamaaddressed the American people while urging members of Congress to move quickly with his massive economic stimulus plan. The Commander-in-Chief warned that a failure to act "could turn a crisis into a catastrophe." In addition, he stated, "The plan is not perfect. No plan is. I can't tell you for sure that everything in this plan will work exactly as we hope, but I can tell you with complete confidence that a failure to act will only deepen this crisis as well as the pain felt by millions of Americans."
The merits of the proposed plan to rescue the faltering economy will not be known for some time. Some feel the plan is right on target. Others feel it will only add insult to injury and burden both present and future generations in an unprecedented way. But what is perhaps most tragic in it all is the utter lack of bringing God into the equation on any level. It is as though He did not even exist, and if He does, He is unable to help. Some might even wonder the worsening scenario as yet another way of God attempting to awaken a spiritually dulled nation.
In Matt 6 Jesus spoke out forcefully about making material things the focal point of life.Beginning in verse 25 He presents a series of questions attempting to show that He is the ultimate provider and the One who can bring true peace when worldly worries pursue.
"Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" In verse 33 He offers His solution. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Even if the economic crisis were turned around fully and every American were to prosper greatly in the coming years, that would not address a far more terrifying danger – one spoken of in Matthew 16. Verse 26 asks the most sobering of al questions. "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”
President Obama said, "The plan is not perfect. No plan is.” Again his assessment is accurate - unless it deals with the saving of one’s eternal soul and not his 401K. In that realm a perfect plan does exist. It carries with it the genius and guarantee of the Creator God. His plan is simple, perfect, and contains no extra ‘spiritual pork barrel’ items. This strategy is best revealed in what is the best known verse in all of Scripture. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) Paul and Silas, in Acts 16:31, also presented the plan – this time using just 11 sacred words. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.”
The President warned his nation that a failure to act swiftly on his rescue plan "could turn a crisis into a catastrophe”. But God’s word warns that everyone has been born into spiritual crisis and in desperate need of a supernatural bailout. Even so, this looming spiritual catastrophe need not last. It can be instantly and permanently turned into a life of prosperity and victory when God’s flawless recovery plan is implemented through faith in Jesus Christ.
“How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” (Hebrews 2:3)
Bill Breckenridge
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
Suicide for Love ?
A 13-year old Chinese girl attempted suicide this past week by taking 200 sleeping pills. She survived and is in critical condition after being rushed to a Shanghai hospital.
The act was obviously sad and terrifying to the family, especially in light of the current teen suicide statistics. But that is not the entire story. Apparently, the teen learned that her father was dying of liver cancer. In response, she wrote a note to her mother stating, "Mom, I am sorry that I could not be with you anymore. Please give my liver to father after I die." Ironically, after the attempt, she was rushed to the same hospital where her father was receiving treatment.
The story, while tragic, also has at least one positive element. The fact that a young girl would go to such lengths to save her beloved father is, to say the least, amazing, But from the biblical standpoint, it is far more crucial that those about to enter eternity be spiritually healed more than physically repaired! And what is far more amazing is what God’s Son did to accomplish just that great feat. Romans 5:6-8 offers keen insight on this life-altering truth. “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
The Apostle Paul added to the sobering significance of what Christ did in Philippians 2. In verse 8 he wrote, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”
It has been said that ‘love makes the world go around’ and there is an element of truth in those words. And in John 15 the Lord Himself shared the depths of the ultimate form of love. Beginning in verse 12 He condensed it all down to a one pure and all-encompassing concept. “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends."
Throughout human history, men and women have demonstrated great acts of love and kindness especially for those in their immediate earthly families. That is what should come natural. And when man does so, it is primarily about his being made in the image of a loving compassionate God. (Genesis 1:27)
But those who are in Christ through saving faith have become an extension of their Lord’s hands and feet on earth. The target of their love is to go beyond those with whom they share mere human links or affection. Scripture affirms that they are to hone in primarily on those who have become their spiritual partners and their family of faith as clearly specified in Galatians 6:9-10.
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith."
Bill Breckenridge
The act was obviously sad and terrifying to the family, especially in light of the current teen suicide statistics. But that is not the entire story. Apparently, the teen learned that her father was dying of liver cancer. In response, she wrote a note to her mother stating, "Mom, I am sorry that I could not be with you anymore. Please give my liver to father after I die." Ironically, after the attempt, she was rushed to the same hospital where her father was receiving treatment.
The story, while tragic, also has at least one positive element. The fact that a young girl would go to such lengths to save her beloved father is, to say the least, amazing, But from the biblical standpoint, it is far more crucial that those about to enter eternity be spiritually healed more than physically repaired! And what is far more amazing is what God’s Son did to accomplish just that great feat. Romans 5:6-8 offers keen insight on this life-altering truth. “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
The Apostle Paul added to the sobering significance of what Christ did in Philippians 2. In verse 8 he wrote, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”
It has been said that ‘love makes the world go around’ and there is an element of truth in those words. And in John 15 the Lord Himself shared the depths of the ultimate form of love. Beginning in verse 12 He condensed it all down to a one pure and all-encompassing concept. “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends."
Throughout human history, men and women have demonstrated great acts of love and kindness especially for those in their immediate earthly families. That is what should come natural. And when man does so, it is primarily about his being made in the image of a loving compassionate God. (Genesis 1:27)
But those who are in Christ through saving faith have become an extension of their Lord’s hands and feet on earth. The target of their love is to go beyond those with whom they share mere human links or affection. Scripture affirms that they are to hone in primarily on those who have become their spiritual partners and their family of faith as clearly specified in Galatians 6:9-10.
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith."
Bill Breckenridge
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
From “Muck” to MVP
Santonio Holmes is this year’s Super Bowl MVP. With his five-time Super Bowl-winning Pittsburgh Steelers trailing the Arizona Cardinals 23-20 with only 35 seconds left, Holmes was thrust into the game by trusting coaches and the high expectations of his teammates. And Holmes did it.
In the right corner of the end zone, with three defenders closing in, Holmes leaped high into the air, gathered in another of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s incredible passes, tucked the ball away, landed inbounds with tiptoe maneuvers, and fell out of bounds controlling the ball, insuring the Steelers’ narrow margin of victory 27-23.
Holmes’ background reveals moral failures contrasting sharply with his Super Bowl breakthrough. He sold drugs on the street growing up in rural Belle Glade, Florida where the black soil is called "muck." Last fall, he was suspended briefly for drug possession. But brilliant athleticism and the lure of decent sport brought Holmes to the Super Bowl, to team victory and athletic immortality in football’s most famous game. He matched the stunning feat of the ’08 Super Bowl when the New York Giants’ Plaxico Burress snared the winning pass also with exactly 35 seconds left.
Athletic references are sprinkled throughout the New Testament. The Apostle Paul spoke of winning the prize in 1 Cor. 9:24-25: "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown." He added in Philippians 3:14, "I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Hebrews 12:1-2 captures the race in the spiritual arena. "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of these athletic references is that the worst of candidates can become the best of competitors. Paul notes that he was the worst of sinners but was graciously placed in meaningful and effective Christian service. "This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life." (1 Timothy 1:15-17)
Older hymns caught this transformational theme. Charles Gabriel wrote,
From sinking sand He lifted me,
With tender hand He lifted me;
From shades of night to planes of light,
O praise His name, He lifted me!
In her hymn "He Ransomed Me," Julia Johnson penned,
There’s a sweet and blessed story
Of the Christ who came from glory,
Just to rescue me from sin and misery;
He in loving-kindness sought me,And from sin and shame hath brought me,
Hallelujah! Jesus ransomed me.
Hallelujah! what a Savior,
Who can take a poor, lost sinner,
Lift him from the miry clay and set me free!
I will ever tell the story,
Shouting glory, glory, glory,
Hallelujah! Jesus lifted me.
The athletic pattern of Santonio Holmes going from the pits to the heights is long predated by the biblical pattern of the grace of God through Christ, where hopelessly lost and wayward sinners may be transformed into gloriously saved and honorable servants. God’s biblical Hall of Fame is found in Hebrews 11 where previous failures are listed among the spiritual victors. It was all through faith in the God who has unlimited power of transformational grace.
Dave Virkler
In the right corner of the end zone, with three defenders closing in, Holmes leaped high into the air, gathered in another of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s incredible passes, tucked the ball away, landed inbounds with tiptoe maneuvers, and fell out of bounds controlling the ball, insuring the Steelers’ narrow margin of victory 27-23.
Holmes’ background reveals moral failures contrasting sharply with his Super Bowl breakthrough. He sold drugs on the street growing up in rural Belle Glade, Florida where the black soil is called "muck." Last fall, he was suspended briefly for drug possession. But brilliant athleticism and the lure of decent sport brought Holmes to the Super Bowl, to team victory and athletic immortality in football’s most famous game. He matched the stunning feat of the ’08 Super Bowl when the New York Giants’ Plaxico Burress snared the winning pass also with exactly 35 seconds left.
Athletic references are sprinkled throughout the New Testament. The Apostle Paul spoke of winning the prize in 1 Cor. 9:24-25: "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown." He added in Philippians 3:14, "I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Hebrews 12:1-2 captures the race in the spiritual arena. "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of these athletic references is that the worst of candidates can become the best of competitors. Paul notes that he was the worst of sinners but was graciously placed in meaningful and effective Christian service. "This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life." (1 Timothy 1:15-17)
Older hymns caught this transformational theme. Charles Gabriel wrote,
From sinking sand He lifted me,
With tender hand He lifted me;
From shades of night to planes of light,
O praise His name, He lifted me!
In her hymn "He Ransomed Me," Julia Johnson penned,
There’s a sweet and blessed story
Of the Christ who came from glory,
Just to rescue me from sin and misery;
He in loving-kindness sought me,And from sin and shame hath brought me,
Hallelujah! Jesus ransomed me.
Hallelujah! what a Savior,
Who can take a poor, lost sinner,
Lift him from the miry clay and set me free!
I will ever tell the story,
Shouting glory, glory, glory,
Hallelujah! Jesus lifted me.
The athletic pattern of Santonio Holmes going from the pits to the heights is long predated by the biblical pattern of the grace of God through Christ, where hopelessly lost and wayward sinners may be transformed into gloriously saved and honorable servants. God’s biblical Hall of Fame is found in Hebrews 11 where previous failures are listed among the spiritual victors. It was all through faith in the God who has unlimited power of transformational grace.
Dave Virkler
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Celebrating a Century
He has always been the setup man for the world’s most famous evangelist, whom he met and befriended almost 70 years ago. His famous voice is typically heard just before Billy Graham preaches the message of God’s salvation through Christ alone. His name is George Beverly Shea.
The 100-year old singer has been receiving widespread birthday greetings including a card from England’s Queen Elizabeth. Shea attributes his long life and good health to God’s love. He says it is nothing short of a great privilege to be associated for so long with the Graham organization. It has been reported that Graham felt Shea’s vocal introductions to be so important to the ministry that he told his long-time partner that he would not preach unless he first sang.
In Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 25, Jesus offered what has come to be known as the parable of the talents. He related a story of a man who divided talents among his servants for investment purposes. A talent was the heaviest unit of weight in the Hebrew system and was used to weigh gold, silver, iron, bronze and many other commodities. The common talent weighed about 3000 shekels or the full weight that a man could carry. For example, one talent of silver would be approximately four-hundred pounds and equal to about one-thousand nine-hundred and forty dollars.
The parable relates how three servants were given talents to be used wisely and increased during their employer’s absence. Of the three servants, the two had received multiple talents and, using their energy and ingenuity, they doubled the original amounts they were given. But the third servant did nothing and even buried his asset in the ground due to fear and insecurity. His inaction enraged his master who fully expected him to prosper during his absence. This led to the removal of his original talent, harsh critical words, and a shameful separation from his peers. But the others who acted wisely were treated to praise and reward from their master in verse 23. “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.”
In his first letter, Peter addressed the living of the Christian life, especially considering the believer’s status as a pilgrim in a strange and godless world. In chapter 4 he spoke of the need for, and the effects of, a fervent Christian love. He then related the importance of using whatever spiritual gifts God has bestowed at the moment of their spiritual birth. Verse 10 reads, “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
Paul also weighs in on the reality of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12. In verses 4 he writes, “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.” Then in verse 11 he adds, “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.”
The Christian life begins at the moment of the new birth. But living out the faith requires involvement in faithful and meaningful Christian service. The target is that of become a ‘good steward’ as exemplified by a George Beverly Shea. And that requires the use of whatever gift or gifts an omniscient God has bestowed for our good and His ultimate glory. Only then will a child of God ever possess the confident peace spoken of by Paul in 2 Timothy 4:6-8. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” And only when God-given gifts are recognized, developed, and faithfully put in practice can Christians ever hope to someday stand before their Lord and be welcomed with words like these:
“Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” (Matthew 5:23)
Bill Breckenridge
The 100-year old singer has been receiving widespread birthday greetings including a card from England’s Queen Elizabeth. Shea attributes his long life and good health to God’s love. He says it is nothing short of a great privilege to be associated for so long with the Graham organization. It has been reported that Graham felt Shea’s vocal introductions to be so important to the ministry that he told his long-time partner that he would not preach unless he first sang.
In Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 25, Jesus offered what has come to be known as the parable of the talents. He related a story of a man who divided talents among his servants for investment purposes. A talent was the heaviest unit of weight in the Hebrew system and was used to weigh gold, silver, iron, bronze and many other commodities. The common talent weighed about 3000 shekels or the full weight that a man could carry. For example, one talent of silver would be approximately four-hundred pounds and equal to about one-thousand nine-hundred and forty dollars.
The parable relates how three servants were given talents to be used wisely and increased during their employer’s absence. Of the three servants, the two had received multiple talents and, using their energy and ingenuity, they doubled the original amounts they were given. But the third servant did nothing and even buried his asset in the ground due to fear and insecurity. His inaction enraged his master who fully expected him to prosper during his absence. This led to the removal of his original talent, harsh critical words, and a shameful separation from his peers. But the others who acted wisely were treated to praise and reward from their master in verse 23. “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.”
In his first letter, Peter addressed the living of the Christian life, especially considering the believer’s status as a pilgrim in a strange and godless world. In chapter 4 he spoke of the need for, and the effects of, a fervent Christian love. He then related the importance of using whatever spiritual gifts God has bestowed at the moment of their spiritual birth. Verse 10 reads, “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
Paul also weighs in on the reality of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12. In verses 4 he writes, “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.” Then in verse 11 he adds, “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.”
The Christian life begins at the moment of the new birth. But living out the faith requires involvement in faithful and meaningful Christian service. The target is that of become a ‘good steward’ as exemplified by a George Beverly Shea. And that requires the use of whatever gift or gifts an omniscient God has bestowed for our good and His ultimate glory. Only then will a child of God ever possess the confident peace spoken of by Paul in 2 Timothy 4:6-8. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” And only when God-given gifts are recognized, developed, and faithfully put in practice can Christians ever hope to someday stand before their Lord and be welcomed with words like these:
“Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” (Matthew 5:23)
Bill Breckenridge
Monday, February 2, 2009
Why Aren’t You More Popular?
Ever wonder why some people are simply outgoing and charismatic, while others seem to be the polar opposite and are shy, withdrawn, and reserved? Now some scientists are suggesting that your personality might be partly controlled by your genes as much as your environment.
The new study looked at data on 1,100 twins, some identical and others fraternal. James H. Fowler, an associate professor of political science at the University of California, San Diego, and lead author of the research project, said of the study, "We've identified some, and we're waiting for further tests for verification." Fowler further commented, “The new insights won't help turn a wallflower to a social butterfly. Genetic engineering is very difficult, but mostly because social behavior stems from the interplay of genetics and upbringing.”
One’s personality certainly affects life on almost every imaginable front. It can be a great asset to some and a severe handicap for others, depending on how individual tendencies are allowed to affect the outlook on life and on what things are pursued or avoided. People are known to others as much for their personalities, perhaps, more than for any other feature.
With that considered, how important is the personality of any given individual? While it may have bearing on the overall popularity with his or her peers, it has no real relevance to the God who is the author of all life. Scripture repeatedly states this fact. Paul addressed it in Romans 2:11. "For there is no respect of persons with God.” Then Peter does the same in 1 Peter 1:17. “And if you call on the Father, who without respect of persons judges according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear.” He again mentions the issue in Acts 10:34. “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.”
Then, too, there is the episode seen in 1 Samuel 16:1-7 where David is anointed king. The Lord had been conveying to Samuel the right qualifications for the one who would lead the nation. Samuel was keying in on external qualifications and characteristics. But God made it clear as to true priority is verse 7. “But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
There is no doubt that one’s personality, economic status, and physical traits can at times have impact on the choices that are made and the life that is lived. But in God’s eyes, these things are of no value on any level that matters.
But He does expect certain things, regardless of whatever personalities His people may possess or what life they live. First, He expects inner joy despite outward circumstances. “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” (James 1:2-3) Then also God expects service to His own to display a loving attitude, cheerful spirit, and a serious use of whatever gift, or gifts, He has imparted.
“And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." (1 Peter 4:8-10)
Your personality may, or may not, make you popular around those with whom you have regular contact. And few things can make you less popular than speaking out and sharing the love of Jesus Christ. But popularity on the human level is overrated. It is fragile, fleeting and often phony. What counts most is being popular with God and God’s people and for all the right reasons. This is what brings true and lasting value along with the real potential for absolute peace and satisfaction about who you are in Christ!
Why Aren’t You More Popular? Perhaps that initial question should be rephrased to ask, Who are you more popular with – and why?
Bill Breckenridge
The new study looked at data on 1,100 twins, some identical and others fraternal. James H. Fowler, an associate professor of political science at the University of California, San Diego, and lead author of the research project, said of the study, "We've identified some, and we're waiting for further tests for verification." Fowler further commented, “The new insights won't help turn a wallflower to a social butterfly. Genetic engineering is very difficult, but mostly because social behavior stems from the interplay of genetics and upbringing.”
One’s personality certainly affects life on almost every imaginable front. It can be a great asset to some and a severe handicap for others, depending on how individual tendencies are allowed to affect the outlook on life and on what things are pursued or avoided. People are known to others as much for their personalities, perhaps, more than for any other feature.
With that considered, how important is the personality of any given individual? While it may have bearing on the overall popularity with his or her peers, it has no real relevance to the God who is the author of all life. Scripture repeatedly states this fact. Paul addressed it in Romans 2:11. "For there is no respect of persons with God.” Then Peter does the same in 1 Peter 1:17. “And if you call on the Father, who without respect of persons judges according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear.” He again mentions the issue in Acts 10:34. “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.”
Then, too, there is the episode seen in 1 Samuel 16:1-7 where David is anointed king. The Lord had been conveying to Samuel the right qualifications for the one who would lead the nation. Samuel was keying in on external qualifications and characteristics. But God made it clear as to true priority is verse 7. “But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
There is no doubt that one’s personality, economic status, and physical traits can at times have impact on the choices that are made and the life that is lived. But in God’s eyes, these things are of no value on any level that matters.
But He does expect certain things, regardless of whatever personalities His people may possess or what life they live. First, He expects inner joy despite outward circumstances. “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” (James 1:2-3) Then also God expects service to His own to display a loving attitude, cheerful spirit, and a serious use of whatever gift, or gifts, He has imparted.
“And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." (1 Peter 4:8-10)
Your personality may, or may not, make you popular around those with whom you have regular contact. And few things can make you less popular than speaking out and sharing the love of Jesus Christ. But popularity on the human level is overrated. It is fragile, fleeting and often phony. What counts most is being popular with God and God’s people and for all the right reasons. This is what brings true and lasting value along with the real potential for absolute peace and satisfaction about who you are in Christ!
Why Aren’t You More Popular? Perhaps that initial question should be rephrased to ask, Who are you more popular with – and why?
Bill Breckenridge
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