1. the aggregate of features and traits that form the individual nature of some person or thing.

2. one such feature or trait; characteristic.

3. moral or ethical quality: a man of fine, honorable character.

It occurs to me that in the Christian community, when we refer to the heart we are speaking of a person’s character (See Genesis 8:21 where the Bible says the intent of man’s heart is evil).

A question that quickly comes to my mind as I consider the concept of character or ‘traits that form the individual’ is, “Are these traits natural in a person or, are they formed by training and environment?” I believe most of us would respond by saying these features are developed by training and environment or we would find no benefit in religious training or the many other methods our culture uses to guide her youth and attempts at rehabilitation of those whose behavior moves outside socially accepted norms.

Another question that surfaces from this consideration is, “What desirable traits or features, (character),  should parents seek to instill in their children?” Among those which are desirable, which ones have a Biblical basis?

Please join in the discussion.  I look forward to reading your ideas.

Memory Verse:  And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

Many parents learn in just the first few years of their graduation into parenthood of the necessity of confrontation with their children. They will likely use many methods in their attempt to provide safety and comfort for their offspring. Safety latches will be placed on cabinet doors particularly those where harmful items such as toxic cleaning supplies or medications are stored. This latch is a form of confrontation. Other boundaries will be more abstract in teaching these little ones with such a strong self will to respect their parents. One such boundary might be touching certain objects such as mom’s favorite glass decoration. The child is warned not to touch. The time comes when the child with a strong sense of curiosity crosses the established boundary and touches the object. Will the parent have enough love for the child and personal courage to confront and correct this little one? Confrontation is sometimes necessary and all the more when the stakes are so high. Truly the stakes are high when it comes to earning the respect of children and teaching them to observe necessary boundaries.

Confrontation within a church body is also necessary and healthy.  Paul was making it very clear in this final section of his letter to the church at Corinth that he was going to come in the power of Christ. His confrontation to them was going to be dealing with the necessary issues and would definitely be for the good of the congregation. He called for them to go under a self examination first and seek to discover if they needed to repent before he came. If they would take care of the matters prior to his arrival they could spend the time of his visit rejoicing rather than working out differences. He did not want to have to come in severity but in rejoicing. He did realize, however, there is time to build up and a time to tear down and if their arrogance prevailed he would come in a way as to tear down so they could be built up.

There are many lessons for us in this story of the relationship between Paul and the Corinthians. First, in healthy relationships, issues are dealt with in a timely manner. Paul was not going to put the matter off so that it could fester and escalate. Secondly, in healthy relationships, issues are dealt with openly and honestly. Passive aggressive behavior is contagious and all to present in the American landscape including our churches. Instead of dealing openly with issues we tend to suppress them and then strike out at the opportune time.

In the first years of our marriage, my wife and I attended a Christmas party consisting of several other families of newly married couples. As we sat at a table playing a game, one of the wives seemed to walk through every open door of criticism toward her husband. It became clear that she was making those attacks in public but they were not addressing the issues in private. This is passive aggressive behavior and it is unhealthy to the relationship.

There is a time to confront and if we practice it when necessary it likely will not be nearly as painful. The longer we let it build, the more difficult it is to deal with. May God grant you the courage and wisdom to confront people with whom you share a relationship when it is necessary.

Reflection

What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and/or prayer time?

What did I say to God?

Memory Verse:  And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

Modern American politicians have a wide array of communication tools at their disposal. Each party and each candidate seek to manipulate those tools in order to establish or frame the issues in such a way that would give them political advantage in elections building support for the agenda they are pushing. Those who believe a woman should have the right to terminate the life of an unborn child call it pro choice. Those who believe a woman should not have a right to terminate that life call it pro life. The words define the issues.

In our reading for today, Paul alerts the Corinthian church of his upcoming visit. He also alerts them that when he comes he will not shrink back but will come with intent of dealing with the core issues. His opposition has been fast at work framing the issues to their preference but when Paul arrives he intends to frame the issues a bit differently. What they have put forward to be accusations against Paul’s motives and actions will be exposed for what they are: strife, jealousy, slanders, gossips, and arrogance.

Even in his strong warning and rebuke, Paul takes liberty in verse 19 to put on the positive. He proclaims that his approach of defending himself and his approach if he comes to Corinth will be for their up building as he speaks in Christ. This verse highlights an important truth that helps us weather difficult circumstances and challenges of life. Every circumstance provides an opportunity to grow in our faith.  No matter how difficult or painful, the event of life can serve as a building block to grow closer to the Lord and stronger in our resolve to resist sin and the enemy.

Reflection

What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and/or prayer time?

What did I say to God?

Memory Verse:  And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

Each night the local news comes on at six o’clock with a few lead stories. These headlines are meant to capture your attention so you won’t decide it is time to slip away for something to eat. They are considered to be the lead stories. Newspapers do the same thing with bold print in large headlines. These lead stories are meant to capture your attention so that you will reach into your pocket and pull out the currency necessary to transfer ownership of a few pages of newsprint from their hands to yours.

Boasting is meant to garner our attention in the same way that headlines and lead stories cause us to pay attention. They are meant to gain glory for the speaker justifying his position. Paul had made it a practice not to boast of himself but to boast in Christ. It seems as though his accusers in Corinth had taken opportunity to question his commitment and call attention to their own. In our reading for today, he first shows the silliness of the accusation by reminding them of his endurance to hardship.

Paul did not want to boast in his actions. He did, however, take the opportunity to give God glory in all the afflictions he had suffered. How could you possibly call into question the commitment and dedication of one who has first given up their most prized credentials to follow Christ? Second, how could you question this individual who has been beaten, imprisoned, stoned, and shipwrecked in his attempt to take the Gospel to the nations? His line of logic proceeds to explain why he has not boasted more to his audience. Christ has given him a thorn in the flesh to remind him it is not about Paul, it is all about Christ, the Gospel. He also calls attention to how he had gone to great lengths not to take money from them so as not to burden them financially. Let the facts of Paul’s life dispel the folly of those who were creating their own lead stories to gain attention.

The Bible asks the question, “Who are you to judge another man’s servant?” The truth of the matter is that Paul was first a servant to Christ and consequently as servant of the Corinthian church. They were in no position to judge Paul but Paul was in a position to be judged by his master.

Out of the struggle between Paul and the church at Corinth, we are privilege to some great teaching. Take verse 9 of our reading for example. The second phrase has become so powerful to many believers. “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”  So many times we have faced circumstances greater than ourselves and this verse has provided all we need to exercise our faith and march forward against insurmountable odds believing God will see us through. That, my friends, is walking by faith and that is what we are called to do in this journey with Christ.

Reflection

What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and/or prayer time?

What did I say to God?

Memory Verse:  And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 
2 Corinthians 12:9

Colgate, Harvard, Yale, and the University of Chicago were all founded by Christian denominations. Over the years they have drifted from one prevailing philosophy to another based upon the one most popular among academics at the particular time. Most have had their share of atheist professors as well as those of non Christian faith. What a tragedy to see the visions of great Christians leaders hijacked in the name of progress and a high academic standard.

Paul feared the same thing for the church at Corinth. So many of the congregation had apparently been easily swayed to oppose Paul and believe another Gospel. His words in verse 3 of today’s reading surely must be the heart cry of any church planter or church leader in consideration of his labors. The heart cry is be aware of how easily we can be swayed from “the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.” 

Evidently Paul had been very vocal in telling the testimony of what God was doing through his ministry. He had spoken of the great work at Ephesus and so many other places where he had led church planting efforts. He spoke of Jews being converted as well as those who were of some other religion or no religion at all. He spoke of dedicated Christians giving to the ministry and he was coming under criticism from his opposition in Corinth for giving God glory through his testimony. It is a sad day when we cannot share openly in a congregation the magnificent works of our Lord due to jealousy on the part of those who desire to be in the place of authority.

Paul had ample reason for concern. If this congregation could be so easily swayed in this matter, perhaps they could be easily swayed to fall into some kind of hybrid Christianity with a mix of a legalist Judaism. Perhaps they could be easily swayed into a religion based on something other than the work of Christ on the cross and the grace extended. This is a word for us today. Persuasive and charismatic personalities often flow through a congregation. They can quickly attract followers and have the potential to distract the church from her mission and cause division within the body. It is our duty to gain some maturity and discernment to know their true convictions. May God grant us wisdom.

Reflection

What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and/or prayer time?

What did I say to God?

Memory Verse:  And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

A seminary professor of mine used to tell a story about taking one of his students to visit an inner city mission work several hours from the city where they lived. This was in the 70s when proper Baptist ministers kept their hair well groomed to fit the religious landscape. This young man had shoulder length hair and did not dress to meet the expectations of his peers, his professors, nor his mentors. The professor believed this four hour drive together would present a great opportunity to help this young man along in the ministry. Sure enough, the professor lectured for half the drive to this place of ministry about how this young preacher boy should cut his hair and dress the part.

As they arrived at the inner city mission, the founder came out wearing ragged old jeans and had hair down on his shoulders. It became evident in the days of their visit that this man had one of the most effective ministries of the Gospel the professor had ever seen. Most of his parishioners were homeless and had come from very unfortunate backgrounds. The minister’s heart was very sincere and his discipleship was directly on target. These inner city families were being changed in salvation and nurtured in the spirit.

On the drive back to the seminary, the professor spent half the trip apologizing to this young seminarian. The professor realized he was wrong to judge based on outside appearances. He had likely accused the young man of being selfish and rebellious when in reality, he was becoming all things to all people in order that he might win some.

Evidently there were some at Corinth who were falsely accusing Paul and his cohort. They were judging their motives and their hearts when they had no right to do so.  That is how humans sometimes gain control. An attempt is made to discredit the one with authority so that he is diminished in the eyes of the people. When that leader is discredited the accusers are then able to gain the place of authority. Paul reminds the Corinthians that his place of authority was not of his own desire but of the approval of the Lord. His motives were pure and the end in mind was to build them spiritually.

Perhaps there are a couple of lessons for us. First, let us be careful of how we judge others both in appearance and in motive. We could actually miss something God has for us when we judge someone based on something as shallow as appearance. After all, the appearance we consider acceptable is more about culture or the way we were raised than it is Biblical truth. And then, let us be careful in how we talk about others. Our attempts to discredit them may hinder the ministry God has called them to rather than build up the body of Christ.

Reflection

What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and/or prayer time?

What did I say to God?

Memory Verse:  And this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God. 2 Corinthians 8:5

Reflection

What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and/or prayer time?

What did I say to God?

Memory Verse:  And this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God. 2 Corinthians 8:5

An old hymn we used to sing goes like this: Make me a channel of blessings today, make me a channel of blessings I pray. Have you considered yourself a channel of blessings to others?

Several members of First Baptist Diana are trained with the Disaster Relief program of the Southern Baptist Convention. Some serve with a feeding unit delivering food to folks who have been adversely affected by some kind of disaster such as a hurricane. The food they serve is usually provided through the American Red Cross. The equipment they use is provided through monetary gifts of Southern Baptist all across America. Although the workers may have given to that offering and may incur some expense for helping with the effort, they are primarily agents of the supply of others. They are in essence, channels of blessings.

The New Testament principle of stewardship is that everything we have belongs to God. Under this principle we are not owners we are merely stewards. Therefore when we pass God’s resources on to others and it blesses them, we are channels of God’s blessings. According to verse 13 of today’s Scripture reading, it is the liberality we employ in channeling these blessings to others that glorifies God. For God to be glorified means that He is revealed and seen in clarity by humans.

Verse 13 not only speaks of glorification through liberality, but also through obedience in the confession of the Gospel of Christ. Paul is making a connection between the generosity of the believer and his testimony of the Gospel. The conclusion is simple: if we truly confess the Lordship of Jesus Christ believing the resurrection of Christ demands our involvement in taking to the Gospel to the nations and helping those in need, it will be seen through the generosity we display with the resources God has made us stewards over. May you be a channel of blessings today.

Reflection

What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and/or prayer time?

What did I say to God?

Memory Verse:  And this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God. 2 Corinthians 8:5

Some of the most generous people I have ever known were believers in Jesus Christ. It should be that way given the generosity of our Lord. Jesus gave of everything for others. He gave up the glory of heaven when He came to earth. He gave up His right as the king even while He roamed around the Middle East. His greatest generosity is of His grace and mercy. Jesus a giver from the inside out. Generosity is part of His character. It makes Him what He is.

The Bible encourages all believers to be generous as Jesus is generous. It also encourages us to give from the inside out. Notice verse seven of today’s Bible reading. He says the Corinthians are to give as each has purposed in His heart and it goes on to say this should be with joy. Paul is appealing to their sense of urgency when it comes to lost souls hearing about Christ. He is appealing to human decency when it comes to helping those in need. It is a given that Christians are to be concerned for the salvation of souls and the well being of human need.

The more difficult principle to swallow is the one found in verse 6. A paraphrase of the verse might go something like this: You will limit the size of your blessing by the depth of your generosity. In short if you don’t open up your wallet, you will not receive all the blessings God has in store for you. Think about it in this way. Some people sit around and wait for their ship to come in. Did it ever occur to you, that in order for a ship to come in, someone has to send it out? In order to receive goods on your ship, you must first send it out of port to a destination somewhere in the world that has the goods you would like to have. After the journey to the desired port, the ship can then load the goods and return them to your port. So it is with generosity. Sow sparingly, reap sparingly. Sow generously, reap generously. It is the law of God.

Reflection

What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and/or prayer time?

What did I say to God?

Memory Verse:  And this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God. 2 Corinthians 8:5

The scandals of the TV evangelists are behind us, or are they?  We haven’t seen charges of misuse of funds on national TV in sometime, but we know they continue. It seems as though when money flows so do those who use, steal and cheat. Most of us remember the Jim Bakker and Robert Tilton fiascoes from a few years back. In our reading for today, Paul goes to great lengths to assure the Corinthians of the integrity of his ministry and those who are with him.

Christians are called to be good stewards of the resources God has provided. The call to also be generous with those resources sometimes causes conflict in our hearts as we seek to determine worthy ministries to support. The frailty of the human heart to give in to lusts is known by each of us. Year after year we hear of politicians, business owners, and employees who have slipped their hands into a money pile that did not belong to them. This Scripture reveals the need for accountability when it comes to the handling of finances. First, Paul lets them know Titus has been thoroughly tested and found to be faithful in his responsibility. Next he points out that Titus is not alone in his handling of the resources. 

Third Paul reminds them of the precautions they are taking to make sure the funds are used properly.

Most churches have a method of handling the finances that assists in protecting the administration of funds from misuse. Our congregation begins this process with the counting of money as it is received. Each week we have two people approved by the Stewardship committee who count the offerings. We also ask the deacon on call for the week to witness their counting. This provides a level of security and accountability. The church also adopts a budget to guide church leaders as they expend the funds. Disbursements are then made according to that spending plan and each check must have two signatures. These signatures are placed on the checks after they are written. The Stewardship committee reviews receipts and expenditures each month and then reports to the church body in a business meeting. Additional policies are developed and enforced to guard the integrity of the resources available to First Baptist Church. As you follow Christ’s commands to be generous, it is also wise to check out the stewardship of the ministries you support.

Reflection

What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and/or prayer time?

What did I say to God?