Gentleness: The Mark of a Christian

Gentleness, so sadly lacking in this world, should be evident in the life of a Christian. What is gentleness, and how can it be a part of your life?
by Noel Hornor

I love those dear hearts and gentle people who live in my home town. Because those dear hearts and gentle people will never, ever let you down." The words of this song, written 47 years ago by Bob Hilliard, call to mind a time when the world was (at least in our collective memory) a more neighborly place. Do you sometimes find yourself wishing for those times? Do you yearn for a return to civility?

Author Robert Fulghum addressed the problem of a general lack of courtesy and politeness this way: "All I really need to know about how to live and what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten . . . Share everything. Play fair. Don't hit people . . . Say you're sorry when you hit somebody" (All I Really Need to Know I Learned In Kindergarten, Villard Books, New York, 1989, p. 6). The author then mentioned that the world would be a better place if everyone, including the leaders of governments, lived by these basic principles.

This sandbox wisdom happens to be in agreement with the Bible. It can be described with one word from the Book of Books. That word is gentleness.

Gentleness-mildness of manners or disposition-is too often lacking in our world. Gentleness-not to be confused with weakness or a lack of resolve-is a trait of character we all could use more of.

Gentleness doesn't come naturally. Gentleness is something Christians must learn. It is a trait that is godly, and as His children God expects us to become gentle, as He is.

Becoming gentle is not easy. Sometimes gentleness comes with great difficulty and through harrowing circumstances.

How Elijah learned
An example of learning gentleness the hard way is the life of Elijah. This man of God-the quintessential Old Testament prophet-boldly denounced sin. He exuded courage, seeming to fear no one. On one occasion he called fire down from heaven in a magnificent display of his (and God's) disapproval of lawlessness.

He then proceeded to lead a band of men to execute hundreds of pagan prophets (1 Kings 18:36-40). Surely at this point no one would have mentioned Elijah and gentleness in the same breath.

Elijah was a fierce warrior in the battle against apostasy. But, hard on the heels of this impressive victory against pagan religion, God allowed another type of experience to befall Elijah and teach him something about godly character. The false prophets whom Elijah killed were devotees of wicked Queen Jezebel. Upon hearing of the prophet's zeal in slaughtering the heathen seers, the queen swore out a warrant for Elijah's arrest and execution.

When we read of this episode in Elijah's history, we see the normally resolute man of God suddenly and inexplicably terrified. He acts like a broken man. He flees for his life. He is on the run for 40 days, then finds himself at Mount Horeb (Sinai), where he seeks refuge in a cave (1 Kings 19:1-8). God asks Elijah why he fled. Elijah bitterly replies that he went there because he was "very zealous" for the truth, but his only reward was a death sentence (1 Kings 19:9, 10).

God tells His servant to watch. God then effects three powerful displays. First, a fierce wind rips boulders loose from the mountain. Second, a mighty quake shakes the land. Third, a fire suddenly flares.

At various times God had used all three of these phenomena to communicate with human beings. On this occasion, though, God uses a quite different medium. Elijah hears a "still small voice." The prophet immediately recognizes the voice and comprehends the message.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary notes of this passage: "Even God does not always operate in the realm of the spectacular!" (Vol. 4, p. 150). God apparently wanted to show Elijah His gentle side. People who serve God must retain their humility and be of a gentle spirit. There comes a time to act strongly and loudly, but other times call for a quiet and gentle approach.

Jesus' disciples learned
The disciples of Jesus Christ learned this same lesson. Like Elijah, they wanted to burn evildoers. They mistakenly thought ferocity was the ideal behavior for a servant of God. As He had with Elijah, God intervened, through Jesus Christ, to show them they were wrong.

Friends of James and John called those two "the Sons of Thunder" (Mark 3:17). The Gospel of Luke shows this was an appropriate nickname for the pair. Jesus and His disciples were traveling to Jerusalem, and on the way they sought lodging in a Samaritan city. Historians tell us of long-standing enmity between the Samaritan and the Jewish people. Samaritans refused to allow Jews to enter their city (Luke 9:51-53).

Because they feel snubbed, James and John say they would like to duplicate Elijah's miracle of destruction by fire. Jesus is put off by their attitudes, and His unequivocal response comes through in the statement that "He turned and rebuked them."

Jesus lets James and John know that their attitude is not right because the "Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives but to save them" (Luke 9:54-56).

In the biblical accounts of Elijah and the Sons of Thunder, Christians can learn an important lesson-that we are to be predominantly gentle people, just as our Savior, Jesus Christ, was gentle. In Jesus' many statements about Himself, one of the most memorable is found in Matthew 11:28-30. Here He plainly states that He is "gentle and lowly in heart."

In His message to His disciples in Matthew 5, commonly called the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus honors pacific people: "Blessed are the poor in spirit . . . Blessed are the meek . . . Blessed are the merciful . . . Blessed are the pure in heart . . . Blessed are the peacemakers" (Matthew 5:1-9).

We see the quality of gentleness woven through the fabric of the message. This trait stands in the Bible as the proper temperament for a servant of God. People who breathe "threats and murder" miss the point of their calling, as was the case with the unconverted Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:1). Heavy-handed tactics are like a hefty ax that lacks a keen edge. They are more suited to bruise than to prune.

Ours is not a gentle world
When we think of gentleness, we note a marked contrast between that ideal and the standards of our era. Ours is an age that is too often marked by hostility and malice, rather than compassion and reasonableness. It is steeped in the doctrine of cutthroat competition.

Fair, ethical and friendly competition can produce a superior product for the money, but, when abused, competition can exact a great price in human relationships. Vicious and unfair competition can reduce man from a creature of potential gentleness to a product of social Darwinism. The strongest, most competitive survive. Conglomerates and cartels consume small, family-owned businesses. The result can be an inhospitable community, to say the least.

Even our speech too often barbs and bristles, adversely affecting our relationships. The tongue can divide and destroy. Mortimer B. Zuckerman, editor of U.S. News & World Report, wrote: "In these fraught times, our rhetoric must be toned down, our words more carefully weighed . . ." (U.S. News & World Report, June 12, 1995, p. 94).

Destructive, harsh tactics do not reflect the values of the Bible. The prophet Isaiah recorded: "The Lord God has given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary" (Isaiah 50:4). This scripture is in reality a prophecy of Jesus Christ, our example. Society should know a Christian for his gentleness.

Paul wrote, "Let your gentleness be known to all men" (Philippians 4:5). This apostle, formerly the violent and persecuting Saul of Tarsus, had learned the gentleness of God-just as had Elijah. The Greek word for gentleness is epieikes; it is sometimes translated "graciousness," "courtesy" or "moderation." According to William Barclay, no English word completely captures the meaning of epieikes. Matthew Arnold, a 19th-century English poet, defined epieikes as "sweet reasonableness" (The Daily Study Bible Series, Vol. 14, p. 96). If epieikes is an evasive concept to translate, it is also an elusive trait to internalize.

Epieikes is manifest in Jesus Christ, as we have seen.

The book of Isaiah shows us that Jesus Christ will deal with an afflicted humanity with the utmost tenderness. "He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young" (Isaiah 40:11).

Ours is an age in which the followers of Jesus should shine forth as lights in the world by emulating the gentleness of Christ in word and deed.

Those who would follow Jesus Christ must by all means learn what it means to be meek and lowly in heart. GN

Finding Success in Your Job and Career

In a world that has changed tremendously in recent years, it seems few things have changed as fast as employment and economic situations.

Not that long ago it was common for a person to work for himself or learn a trade and work for one employer for most, if not all, of his working life. Most people started working for one company, and it was virtually a partnership for life. But no longer. That kind of security and loyalty—from employer to employee and vice-versa—is a thing of the past. It's now much more common for people to work for several employers over a lifetime and to learn many skills and hold several kinds of jobs over the course of their career.

In an increasingly competitive world of business mergers, acquisitions and bankruptcies, seniority and experience no longer necessarily equate to job security. People can lose their jobs through downsizing and layoffs with little or no warning. In many advanced nations, entire categories of jobs have been eliminated, replaced through computers and automation or exported to poorer nations where workers will perform the task for a fraction of the cost.

In a world that is so far removed from the life and times of the Bible, do the Scriptures offer any help in how to be successful in our job and career?

Versatility in a changing world

Obviously, one key to economic survival is versatility. Only in recent generations have we seen such a remarkable move toward specialization, and that driven largely by technological advancements. These advancements constantly alter our world, creating new business and job opportunities virtually overnight while just as quickly rendering others obsolete.

We might liken our world to the Bible world of 2,000 years ago in terms of versatility. In Bible times most people were self-employed and had to learn many skills out of necessity. Theirs was not a throwaway society in which if something broke you simply went to the store and bought a new one.

People made most of what they needed, then repaired it when necessary. Of necessity they learned many skills to provide for themselves and their families.

Similarly, people today often have to learn many job skills out of necessity in a fast-paced, fast-changing world. Those who don't learn, grow and change with the times can fall behind and have to fend for themselves.

Timeless principles for success

Even though we live in a world of constant change, some things have not changed for thousands of years. Our world is far removed from that of the Bible, yet its pages reveal timeless principles that apply just as well today as they did when they were first written thousands of years ago.

The book of Proverbs is especially helpful, not just in offering us guidance for how to be successful on the job but in advising how to succeed in all areas of life. Notice how, in the first few verses, King Solomon expresses the purpose of the book of Proverbs:

"The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young—let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance" (Proverbs 1:1-5, New International Version).

Simply put, the book of Proverbs is a book to teach us wisdom. It records hundreds of observations on all aspects of life and our relationships with one another. It offers hundreds of gems of advice that have been proven over time. Let's examine some of the advice it offers to help us succeed in our jobs and careers, whether we work for ourselves or others.

A tiny teacher from nature

Solomon was a multitalented man. He was not only a gifted writer, teacher and composer but a student of nature, recording his observations about the natural world around him (1 Kings 4:30-34). One of his first recorded principles for success on the job, and in all areas of life for that matter, came from observing one of the tiniest of God's creatures: the ant.

"Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!" advises Solomon. "It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man" (Proverbs 6:6-11, NIV).

Solomon tells us we can learn much about how to be successful in life from the lowly ant. First, the ant doesn't have to have someone tell it what to do. It recognizes what needs to be done and takes care of it.

Any supervisor recognizes the value of an employee with such an approach, someone who learns his job, does it and doesn't have to be reminded what to do. Those who must constantly be told what to do are rarely successful because they not only drain the time and energy of their managers, but they show little or no initiative or potential for advancement.

The ant in Solomon's observations instinctively recognizes the need to plan. When the opportunity is there to gather food, it willingly and diligently works hard to store up provisions for lean times ahead.

Likewise we should recognize the need to make plans. When circumstances are good, make the most of them, recognizing that it won't always be this way. When opportunities present themselves, we should learn to recognize and act on them while circumstances allow. Otherwise they might not present themselves again.

The value of hard work

One lesson from Solomon's meditations on the ant's behavior is unmistakable: To be successful requires hard work. The ant seems instinctively to know it must work hard to survive. Too many people have yet to figure that out.

No one wants to hire (or keep) a person who is lazy, passive, not dependable and always looking for excuses or ways to get out of work. Such people usually are more trouble than they are worth. Solomon points out where such people usually end up—suffering from poverty and scarcity.

Curiously, Solomon's comments imply that these consequences strike the lazy person unexpectedly, like a bandit or robber who strikes suddenly and without warning. Apparently at least some such people lack the foresight even to see the inevitable consequences of their laziness. Perhaps you've seen incompetent employees go their merry way, unaware of their behavioral problems until they were fired. Solomon even notes that some people are so oblivious to their own shortcomings that they seem impervious to reality (Proverbs 26:16).

Solomon adds that we should learn from the examples of behavior we see around us. We should recognize cause and effect, he tells us, to learn what leads to success and what leads to poverty. "I went by the field of the lazy man, and by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding; and there it was, all overgrown with thorns; its surface was covered with nettles; its stone wall was broken down. When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest; so shall your poverty come like a prowler, and your need like an armed man" (Proverbs 24:30-34).

The Proverbs repeatedly tell us that, when it comes to success, there is no substitute for diligent work. "In all hard work there is profit, but talk only makes a man poor" (Proverbs 14:23, Bible in Basic English).

Talk by itself, as Solomon pointed out, produces nothing. Good intentions are just that: intentions. "The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich" (Proverbs 13:4). Good intentions without follow-up actions bring nothing. Diligence, however, pays off. Solomon noted that those who don't want to work can always come up with creative excuses. "The lazy man says, 'There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!' " (Proverbs 22:13). Excuses, too, are no substitute for getting the job done.

Diligence delivers dividends

Hand in hand with hard work is a trait the Bible often refers to as diligence. We might call it many things: initiative, motivation, enthusiasm, drive, foresight. Curiously, the Hebrew word translated "diligent" is translated "sharp" in several verses. Today we refer to someone as sharp if we think he is intelligent, productive and effective—in other words, if he's diligent.

Diligence and hard work are the opposite of laziness. The fruits of diligence and hard work are also the opposite of the consequences of laziness. What does Solomon relate about the reward of diligence—of initiative, drive and foresight?

"The hand of the diligent will rule, but the lazy man will be put to forced labor," he tells us (Proverbs 12:24). Those who are enthusiastic and motivated in their work are those who naturally will get the promotions and greater responsibility. If you want to be considered for opportunities for advancement, cultivate and develop these traits. Do your absolute best in your current position to show that you can handle additional responsibility, and it will likely come.

No one who takes a passive, disinterested approach to work should expect additional responsibilities, or the additional pay that comes with them. "He who is slow in his work becomes poor, but the hand of the ready worker gets in wealth," says Solomon (Proverbs 10:4, Bible in Basic English). The results of work habits Solomon noted almost 3,000 years ago haven't changed.

"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might," advised Solomon in his other biblical book (Ecclesiastes 9:10). This is wise advice indeed. If we do our best with opportunities given us, more opportunities will come our way. As king over Israel, Solomon noted just how high diligent, motivated employees can go when they apply themselves: "Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men"(Proverbs 22:29, NIV).

Preparation before pleasure

For young people in particular, Solomon offers advice that becomes understandable when we apply its underlying principle to our day and age. "Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house," he wrote (Proverbs 24:27, NIV). What does that quaint-sounding advice have to do with us?

Solomon was summing up a principle crucial for success. In the agriculturally based society of his time, people lived—and sometimes died—by the condition, readiness and productivity of their fields. If their fields yielded little or no crops, the individual or family was in deep trouble. Thus their highest priority was to keep fields in good condition so everyone could eat.

Solomon advises someone starting out as a young adult to "get your fields ready" first. In other words, take the steps that will put—and keep—food on your table. "After that, build your house," he says. Solomon here sums up our basic priorities in life as work before pleasure.

The modern equivalent would be to be sure you are well prepared to make a living before you start trying to enjoy a good living. Put in the hard work necessary to begin a career and get and keep well-paying jobs. Once your fields (or their economic equivalent) are ready—after you've gained the skills to provide for you and your family—you can take time to build your house—to think about home and family.

In our time the thrust of that preparation to earn a living will be to get an appropriate education. On average, Americans with a college degree will earn double the lifetime earnings of a high-school graduate. Those with advanced degrees will earn far more.

Education is the single best investment you can make for your financial stability and earning power. As technology transforms our world, education will likely grow even more important with each coming year. At the same time the constant advancement of technology means that ongoing education—adding and developing skills—is also crucial.

Stability and strength through self-discipline

Solomon tells us that this sort of self-discipline is crucial to our success. "Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls" (Proverbs 25:28).

Self-discipline is crucial to getting and maintaining control over our lives. Solomon compared a person without self-discipline to a city without walls. In his day an unwalled city was defenseless before invaders, unable to control its own destiny. It stood helpless before its enemies, and when surrounded it could either surrender, pay protection money or fight and suffer the likely bloody consequences. None of these choices came easily.

In the same way, a person without self-discipline is unable to control his own destiny. Without self-discipline he cannot set and maintain a course that will lead to security and stability. He will often be his own greatest hindrance to success as he follows his own impulses on one false start after another.

Another biblical writer's perspective

Solomon wasn't the only Bible writer to offer sound advice for a successful career. The apostle Paul offers a perspective that can help us on the job regardless of our circumstances. He describes for us the perspective a Christian—and by extension any of us—should take toward our job and our employer:

"Servants, in all things do the orders of your natural masters; not only when their eyes are on you, as pleasers of men, but with all your heart, fearing the Lord: Whatever you do, do it readily, as to the Lord and not to men" (Colossians 3:22-23, BBE; compare Ephesians 6:5-8).

Paul's instruction is simple: We should approach our job as if we were working for Jesus Christ Himself. God is watching us whether the person paying us is or not, so we should always put forth our best effort and strive to please and honor Him. To do otherwise is to dishonor and disobey God, in essence stealing from or defrauding our employer by accepting pay while not giving the quantity and quality of work we've agreed to.

Are you a profitable servant?

Perhaps no other biblical approach to success on the job and in our career is better expressed than that summarized by Jesus Christ Himself. He noted the difference between a servant—an employee—who is profitable to his employer and one who is not.

"Does [the master] thank [his] servant because he did the things that were commanded him?," Jesus asked. "I think not. So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do' " (Luke 17:9-10). An unprofitable servant, said Jesus, does as he is told. He exactly—and barely—meets his responsibility. Such a servant, Jesus said, is unprofitable.

Jesus didn't spell out what makes a servant profitable. He didn't have to. His meaning was clear: A profitable servant must go above and beyond his duty. He must go beyond what his master—his employer—expects.

In times of economic uncertainty and financial instability, there is probably no better way to assure your employment security and growth than to follow Paul's admonition to work for one's employer as if you are working for Jesus Christ Himself. In doing so you will fulfill Jesus' description of what we must do to be truly profitable servants.

Comfort Zones: Meant to be Broken

by Debbie Whitlark

In the midst of the Swiss Alps, I clung desperately to a cliff face that demanded both proper gear and experience, and reflected that I had neither. My right hand clutched a tuft of grass, my left hand knocked away loose stones, and my feet were splayed against the rock as I felt a sickeningly slow loss of traction. There was no other human being in sight, and I knew I must either keep moving or fall.

I had lost the path heading over the ridge—and though I soon realized the error, the slope was too steep to descend safely. I kept going, realizing too late that a disastrous mix of misguided optimism, perceived necessity and stubbornness had brought me to a very dangerous position, maintained only by rapidly tiring muscles.

I was two weeks into a month of backpacking solo through nine European countries, and the past five days alone had brought six languages, four currencies and countless border crossings.

As I set off from home, many mistakenly chalked the adventure up to bravery. But I did not go because I am a fearless adventurer. As a methodical, organized and reserved perfectionist with a deep need to feel competent, my comfort zone was nowhere to be found.

It was not until after I returned home that I finally realized that was the point. I had set off from the United States not completely sure how I would survive a month on my own, and returned a relatively experienced traveler, with priceless life lessons and a deeper knowledge of myself that could not have been learned except through facing the challenging situations I encountered. Although the wisdom of my choices can be questioned (I deeply appreciate God's mercy and protection!), the lessons I learned are important ones.

In both physical and spiritual matters, people often meet every challenge—and thus every opportunity—with a well-practiced list of excuses for why they will avoid the issue or why they will only expect a mediocre performance from themselves. But fears are conquered only through action, and they are only intensified by avoidance.

Failed attempts can be painful and humbling, but refusing to make a legitimate effort to reach a worthwhile goal leads without exception to the ultimate failure: forfeiting that uniquely human ability to choose who we are. God did not grant us that ability merely for us to neglect it! He expects that we use it and take control of how we live, even—or especially—when a challenge puts us outside our comfort zone.

Though parents love their newborn child, they do not expect the infant to remain an infant. A child will learn, grow, stumble and try again until he or she learns to walk with confidence.

Likewise, when it comes to both our actions and our character, God does not accept stagnancy. We should see our weaknesses as areas of potential growth rather than viewing them with an attitude of, "Well, that's just the way I am!" Christ emphasizes that when He comes He will reward the person "who overcomes" (Revelation 21:7).

Growing in Christ

In Ephesians 4:13, we are told to continue in the work of God and the edifying of the Body of Christ, "till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."

We don't have license to ignore our problem areas; we have the responsibility to face them! Far from being a destination, conversion is a process of continual growth in which we learn better and better each day how to imitate Christ. We must press on until the very day Christ returns and rewards us for our labor.

When God liberated the Israelites from Egypt, the Promised Land given to them was still full of sin and idolatry. Likewise, when we are baptized, our battle has only begun. We must continually clear ourselves of the sin inherent in our carnal minds and steadfastly refuse to be influenced by the evils of the world in which we live.

While we should enjoy our progress along the way, there is no destination in this life and no time at which we can sit down, take off our armor and rest. God will be with us in our battle, but we must not test God by claiming the battle is too difficult. The fact that it is difficult is part of the point and is what makes our learning process so powerful.

God has called us to be warriors, and it is our minimum duty to be faithful, unyielding, courageous and obedient. We should remember that every challenge in life is a priceless opportunity to grow. In the face of the enemy, we need not beg God to take away the problem while reciting a long list of explanations as to why we won't be able to overcome the challenge at hand. Instead, we can confidently trust that God will see us through the trial, not necessarily lift it from us.

When God asked whom He could send to do His work, Isaiah did not try to avoid His calling. Instead, he responded: "Here am I! Send me" (Isaiah 6:8). Likewise, we must be eager to try the unknown in order to allow God to perfect us and use us as a tool in His hands.

Back to the mountain

After an hour of agonizingly slow progress, I still clung to the side of the mountain in the Alps. Though I found myself near the top, the way was impassable without gear, and I had no other options. I half-slid, half-fell down the steep slope and eventually stumbled upon the path I had lost an hour and a half earlier.

Though back to square one, I was oddly excited to climb 300 meters of rough switchbacks back to the top of the ridge. I eventually reached the 3,000-meter (nearly 10,000-foot) summit after my eight-hour hike and then began the grueling descent. Back at the youth hostel, other travelers shared their pasta and wine with me, and I crawled into bed covered in a layer of sweat, blood and dirt, which I hardly even noticed.

My European trip and its purposes came full circle at my final stop, Amsterdam. Wandering the rooms of the Vincent van Gogh museum, I read a quote by Pablo Picasso that perfectly captured the challenges of life and true Christianity: "I am always doing what I cannot yet do, in order to learn how to do it."

That approach to life will inevitably lead to occasional disappointment and failure. But growth cannot occur within familiar, comfortable territory. We must choose to keep discovering and expanding what we are capable of, rather than always staying within a comfort zone that would insulate us not only from nominal failure, but also from real success.

So have the courage to challenge who you are and see what you might be! Whether it's trying out for a new sport at school, meeting someone new, learning to get the most out of college, finding a new job, taking a once-in-a-lifetime trip or overcoming a character flaw, we must, in wisdom, forge new and worthwhile paths without using the crutch of complacency.

Let us never grow weary in using every opportunity in this adventure called life to learn about God and to exercise our uniquely human ability to respond to His divine calling by saying: "Here I am, God. Send me!" VT


Debbie Whitlark is a first-year student at Harvard Law School in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Encouraging Words

It is entirely in our control, yet one of the hardest things to control. It has the power to uplift and encourage—or destroy and damage. And we use it every day of our lives in everything we do. How can you make your speech more encouraging?
by Leslie Schwartz

Speech has many purposes and functions. We use it to communicate our thoughts, feelings, desires, instructions and ideas to others.

The Bible shows us how to use speech as a positive tool to strengthen and build lasting relationships with others, while spreading God's way of life through our words. Positive speech can cheer up sadness (Proverbs 12:25) and bring joy (Proverbs 15:23). Rash or reckless words act like sword thrusts (Proverbs 12:18) and gossiping can ruin friendships (Proverbs 16:28). When we use words appropriately, they are like "apples of gold in settings of silver" (Proverbs 25:11) and "a honeycomb [that brings] sweetness to the soul and health to the bones" (Proverbs 16:24).

The ability to choose what we say to others is one of the most precious gifts God has given us, yet the human capacity to use speech to inflict pain is one of the most dangerous weapons we possess. Knowing what to say and when and how to say it takes wisdom (Proverbs 16:23-24). Being able to control our speech is equivalent to keeping the "whole body in check" and is described as "perfect" (James 3:2, New International Version). As we strive for the same perfection as our heavenly Father (Matthew 5:48), we need to make careful choices in how we use our speech.

As a young Christian, I have found that even if there aren't many physical opportunities to serve, I can usually contribute by offering encouraging words of appreciation to those who work behind the scenes. Many of these people do not receive recognition or thanks very often.

Being an encourager is an essential part of the job description of a Christian. Instructions to encourage one another appear many times throughout the Bible (Deuteronomy 1:38; 3:28; Acts 15:32; Ephesians 6:22; Colossians 4:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:18; 5:14; 2 Timothy 4:2). There are various ways we can use encouraging words to "build each other up" (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV), including sharing thanks and appreciation, offering support, paying compliments and even giving written words of encouragement (1 Peter 5:12).

One of the best ways to be an encourager is to share God's truth and promises with others or pass along encouraging scriptures, especially to those who are struggling with trials or doubting their faith (1 Thessalonians 5:14). The prophets Judas and Silas (Acts 15:32), as well as Tychicus (Ephesians 6:22; Colossians 4:8) were sent to encourage and strengthen the believers as well as encourage their hearts. Strengthening the faith and convictions of fellow believers not only promotes harmony and unity in God's family, but also helps us develop stronger spiritual leadership skills.

Ananias' example

While there are plenty of instances where people in the Bible used words to inflict harm and pain on others, the positive examples of encouragement provide models for us today. In Acts we read that God, in a vision, told the disciple Ananias to go to the house where Saul of Tarsus was staying. Saul was a man who maliciously worked to prevent the gospel from being spread. Yet God instructed Ananias to "place his hands on [Saul] to restore his sight" (Acts 9:10-12, NIV), which he had lost when Christ miraculously appeared to him.

Even though he was aware of the evil Saul had done against God, Ananias still obeyed, laying his hands on the blind man and encouraging him by telling Saul that he would regain his sight and become an "instrument" to spread the gospel (Acts 9:13-17). Instantly Saul was able to see again, was baptized and went on to do the work of God (Acts 9:18-19). Undoubtedly Ananias' reassuring words were of great comfort to Saul, who went on to become the apostle Paul.

The Bible instructs us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44) as well as telling us to do good to those who hate us and bless those who curse us (Luke 6:27-28). What better way to do this than encourage others with our speech and through our prayers?

Sometimes we are presented with opportunities to encourage people we don't even know. But sometimes we will face people who have hurt us in the past. If Ananias had not been willing to take on the role of an encourager, even to an unholy and evil person, the story of Saul and his conversion may have been very different. We, too, must be willing to encourage those we are not fond of, because they are often the people we can impact the most.

The act of encouraging others is so simple and costs nothing, but oftentimes is overlooked and infrequent. We need to seek out opportunities to encourage and uplift others, putting our gift of positive speech to good use.

To be strong examples of God's way, the love that is in our hearts must be illustrated through our speech because "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34). Our hearts should be filled with encouraging words so our speech reflects God's way of life. Becoming an encouraging person will not only positively impact the lives of others, but will also improve our own attitude and outlook on life. I encourage you to try it!


Leslie Schwartz is 20 years old and attends UCLA where she is studying mass communication, education and developmental psychology and working as a resident assistant. She attends the Los Angeles, California, congregation of the United Church of God and loves writing and going to good movies.

Spiritual Growth: From Immaturity to Immortality

Spiritual Growth: From Immaturity to Immortality
In the previous seven articles of this series we have explained essential tools for spiritual transformation—prayer, Bible study, meditation, fasting, repentance, baptism and the Church. Now we consider how to use all these tools to attain our ultimate destiny of eternal life!
by Don Hooser


The purpose of this temporary human life is to seek and prepare for life after death in God's eternal Kingdom (John 3:15-16). If you haven't already, God wants you to make this the number-one goal of your life (Luke 12:31). So use your understanding of His spiritual tools and get started toward that goal! Or maybe you started but got discouraged or sidetracked, or relapsed into old habits. Read on, and we'll show you how to enjoy solid, steady progress.

Physical life is evidenced by ongoing growth and development, and so is spiritual life. We must always be learning, changing, overcoming and serving to become more and more like Jesus Christ. For those spiritually dead or asleep, God's Word says, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and . . . [make] the most of the time" (Ephesians 5:14-16, Revised Standard Version).

Don't feel overwhelmed. God doesn't expect giant leaps. What He is looking for is that our steps, no matter how small, are going forward and not backward. Don't dwell on past mistakes or future worries. Focus on what you need to do today and thank God for each bit of progress (Philippians 3:12-14; Matthew 6:33-34).

When we are first "baptized into Christ," we are as "babes in Christ" (Galatians 3:27; 1 Corinthians 3:1). But we must not remain as spiritual babies. "As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word that you may grow thereby" (1 Peter 2:2, emphasis added throughout).

Christ didn't say that following Him and thereby entering the Kingdom would be easy. He compared it to squeezing through a narrow gate, saying that few in this age would be able to do so (Luke 13:24). But what is most valuable deserves the highest price. Jesus compared God's Kingdom to a treasure and a "pearl of great price" (Matthew 13:44-46). God's Kingdom is worth any and every possible sacrifice (Luke 14:33).

God doesn't expect us to rely on our own human strength. He does expect us to work diligently as if success all depends on ourselves, but to pray regularly and earnestly, knowing that success will depend primarily and ultimately on Him (Philippians 2:12; 2 Timothy 2:15; Proverbs 3:5-6).

Spiritual tools and weapons

Paul compared God's "tools" or strategies for entering the Kingdom with armor and weapons, because anyone trying to be a follower of Christ is automatically involved in spiritual warfare with our archenemy, Satan the devil (Luke 10:19; 2 Thessalonians 3:3).

We are not defenseless if we are courageous and use God's equipment. "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes" (Ephesians 6:11, New International Version). The next few verses list God's protective armor.

Verse 17 defines the primary offensive weapon—"the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God"—which means our need to study, understand and live by God's Word, the Bible. This is linked in the next verse with prayer.

God's weapons and armor are mighty (2 Corinthians 10:4). The question is: Will we put on the armor and will we wield the weapons?

And will we use the spiritual tools that were explained in the previous articles in this series?

To recap the main points of this series, make your goal to pray and read your Bible, as well as meditate, every day. Just as we begin to feel weak when we miss meals, we begin to weaken spiritually when we miss a day of spiritual nourishment.

We need to fast occasionally for the reasons explained in the article on fasting. We need to sincerely repent toward God every time we realize we have been guilty of a sin. To receive God's forgiveness and to come under His grace, we need to be baptized (Acts 2:38). Then we can receive the gift of His Holy Spirit, which puts us into the Body of Christ, the Church (1 Corinthians 12:13).

Then we need to be actively involved in the Church the rest of our lives—for the many benefits we receive and for the opportunities to serve God by serving His people.

We must grow to maturity

We mustn't let up, but must keep growing! In Ephesians 4, Paul beautifully explains the purpose of God's Church and its leaders: "To prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity . . . and become mature . . . Then we will no longer be infants . . . Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ" (verses 11-15, NIV).

Perhaps the best definition of spiritual maturity is the godly love described in "the love chapter," 1 Corinthians 13.

Kindle or rekindle your zeal

When Paul wrote to Timothy, he had reason to believe that Timothy's zeal was cooling off, like a campfire starting to die out. Paul wrote, "Therefore I remind you to stir upthe gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands" (2 Timothy 1:6). If your fire is dying, stir it up and fan it into flames!

When the author of the book of Hebrews, apparently Paul, wrote to the Jewish Christians who had been in God's Church for many years, he knew that many of them had quit growing and had "become dull of hearing" (Hebrews 5:11). He said they were so immature spiritually that they still needed "milk, not solid food" (verse 12, RSV). He said, "Let us . . . go on to maturity" (Hebrews 6:1, RSV).

Finish the race

Paul compared the life of a believer with a race to win a valuable reward: "Run in such a way that you may obtain it [eternal life]" (1 Corinthians 9:24). He said, "I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me" (Acts 20:24, NIV).

Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us, "Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith."

It's not enough to train for a big race. It's not enough to start a race. What really counts is crossing the finish line. Ultimately, the only thing in this life that matters is crossing from mortal life to immortal life.

When Paul knew his "departure" was near, as he would soon be executed, he said: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:6-8, NIV).

Let's hope we can say the same thing at the end of our lives. We can if we use God's tools for spiritual growth, are faithful to Him and keep growing! GN


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Recommended Reading

Does God expect us to change when He reveals His truth to us? What does He want us to become? How is He involved in this process, and what doe sit lead to? You really need to understand! All the steps to repentance, forgiveness and spiritual growth are explained clearly, from the pages of your Bible, in our free booklet Transforming Your Life: The Process of Conversion.

GoodBye Blogger, Hello WordPress

I am ditching Blogger.

Yes, the inversatility of not being able to set passwords for selective posts has left me very perplexed for a long time & I have decided to collaborate with Wordpress for all my future publishing needs.

Goodbye, Blogger.

www.fayea.wordpress.com

See ya!!

How Much Is Your Dead Body Worth?

$4225.00The Cadaver Calculator - Find out how much your body is worth.

*giggles*

I cannot help laughing when I sent my blog address for rating:

All because I mentioned 'knife' twice & 'cum' once. It wasn't even the dirty version.

*giggles*

AVP - R

Oooohh...

You know, after Aliens, I was never a big fan of the rest of its franchises. The one time I went to watch AVP with the hope that it would be a good fight between the 2 monsters, it turned out to be extremely disappointing.

This time, Alien Vs Predator - Requiem looked promising. Remember an egg was left with one of the Predator last time? It has spawned. And wreaking more havoc. I think this would be interesting having watched some of the trailers.

Let's hope it delivers what it promises.

Later.

That Time of The Year

I unlocked the door to find a house of full of things.

My mum has overturned everything in her bedroom & dumped into the living room. It's amazing what you can squeeze inside her room. You want to learn space management? Don't have to pay huge amounts of money at a university. Just come to my home.

Yes, it's that time of the year. The time I dread & fearfully anticipate - The annual spring-cleaning.

My mum takes spring-cleaning to a whole new level.

And because there aren't enough space in the living room, my room has also taken the brunt of it. Today, I will be sharing the room with her huge king-sized mattress that is also pretending to be wall. Over the next few weeks, I will find bamboo poles hanging precariously over my bed & many other things like plastic bags of unused, unwanted things slowly take temporary residence in my room that I don't wish to know.

I resent cluttered spaces.

That's why as much as I am not a clean freak, I keep my room as tidy as possible. And in future, when I have a house of my own, minimalist is definitely the way to go. I will build walls that doubles as storage spaces so I can hide stuff in it. Almost everything will be lifted off the floor.

But I can't blame my mum for the mess. Because of her, our home has been moth-free, lizard-free, cockroach-free & beetle-free for years. The occasional visitor still does come once in a blue moon, but that has been kept to a rarity. The ants, however, refused to bid us farewell & chose to remain a part of our family, much to our chagrin.

Surely there must be some sort of an aptitude test for women like my mum before they become wives. We all know it's a prerequisite to know how to cook & clean & make sure the house is dust-free. Think about it: Mums of our days are almost always clean freaks. I've known many mothers who are like. I've even have friends who have adopted the system.

But this type of test seemed absent in the present scheme of things. Single women like me seemed clueless about the degree of cleanliness a house should be maintained. Ah, perhaps that is the reason why I'm still single.

No one would notice if I don't wipe to the edge of that window sill. I mean after all, it would get dirty tomorrow. That ball of dirt by the corner surely won't be significant? And if I don't make sure that my cloth reach into the angle of the table leg, would my kids lick it & die? Or maybe the bugs will notice immediately & fetch their families here to live with us, thereby lowering my standard of cleanliness to become ... ONE of them?

My future husband probably won't scream yet if I don't clean the house on a clockwork schedule. But what will happen to my future kids? I am fortunate to have my mother as an example. We complain & moan when they are fastidious to the rules. But what will happen to my child in future all because I wasn't let in on the BIG BOOK of CLEANLINESS? Will the society degenerate because my kids didn't learn how to keep their houses dust-free?!

Oh my goodness. I am fainting. Sign me up for that aptitude test now!

EDIT: Intended for humour. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

Watched

My heart skipped a beat.

Is he watching me?

I did a double-take to make sure I wasn't being paranoid. There he was, watching me intently. I can't say exactly how far away. Possibly 500m away. He stood underneath the entrance of a block & stood there as he lit a cigarette. His whole body faced me with the cigarette in one hand. It didn't matter that I saw him. It seemed almost as if he wanted me to know.

Even with the distance, I didn't feel safe especially when there is nothing in between us.

I've seen him before. I've taken the same elevator with him on two occasions. He is a chinese guy, bald - not balding, but shaven. I thought he might have been released from prison since I haven't seen him around this neighbourhood until recently. He wore a white t-shirt with some prints on the back with a pair of jet black jeans & chunky black boots. He had an air of those crazy Nazi fanatics about him. He was smaller built than me & a little shorter or probably the same height. And those eyes. I remember those eyes. They looked troubled. It wasn't like sad troubled - more like mentally disturbed troubled yet he didn't look mentally unsound. Perhaps suffering from some kind of disorder but there was no madness in his eyes. At least, not that I have noticed. I wasn't looking at him in the eye.

That was some months ago & I hadn't thought of him until now.

I was settling down in one of the bench just behind my block, enjoying the cool Friday evening, watching the snowy raindrops fall on the ground as my mind wandered. I was about to wax lyrical about how the rain represented snow in our country & how thankful I was when he walked past me.

Hey, it's him. I wonder how he is. He is still bald. Strange. If he had been released from prison months then, his hair would have grown out by now. And those eyes. I wonder if he needs help. I wonder if I could help...

From the corner of my eye, I noticed a figure watching me.

It's him.

The spot where he is standing is 2 blocks away from mine & one from where I was sitting. It seemed deliberate. If he had lived in the same block as I did, he needn't have walked over to the next block to smoke. I would suppose that he came from the same direction as I did (grocery store & market) & should be heading to our block & if that is the case, it didn't make sense for him to take a smoke 2 blocks away. He could've smoked around where I was sitting.

I contemplated on the course of actions. I could make my way back home but that would seemed too far away. I would have to pass through a short but quiet path. If he had ill intentions, it would be easy access for him. The police post seemed nearer & I was sure there would be more humans along the way.

With the phone in my hand, I grabbed my bag & walked. I didn't want to appear nervous, so I walked normally. I didn't quicken my pace although the wet floor made it harder to anyway. I passed an elderly man & for a moment wondered if I should pretend to make small talk with him. I decide to walk on & saw another group of seniors chatting happily. I didn't look back.

A few more steps & I'm there.

I stood in front of the police post & turned to see if he had been following. No sign of him though. I turned the other way & saw him walking from behind the post & crossing the road back to the other side! He must've moved when I did & must've been walking very fast.

Should I lodge a report? But the cops can't do anything now. But maybe a few minutes at the post might be a safe thing to do.

I walked in & waited for my turn. A middle-aged taxi driver was ahead of me. I felt he took too long because the sky was turning dark. But while I was waiting, I saw him came back again. He didn't have anything in his hand. He came from the shops & went back there again. He is empty handed. Too quick to be getting a bite. He passed by the post & walked towards my block. A few minutes later, he passed by again & crossed opposite to another block.

That was the last I saw of him.

I gave the officer as best a description I could give. He wanted me to call them anytime when I spot him again even if he was not watching me or following me.

I was more worried than I was scared. Is there a difference? Uh, I'm not sure really. Perhaps after what Holmberg did to me, I am now more fearful of him than any other strange incidents that might take place. I was worried if I would be caught off guard if he attacked me & let him get away with any form of atrocities. I was worried that someone else might become victim if I hadn't at least alerted the police.

At the same time, I felt vulnerable. If something had happened to me, no one would know. No one would come to my rescue. My family wasn't very anxious about it. There was no knight in shining armor to come to my aid. And this is first time in so long I had to feel this way. Had I been as masculine as I was before, there wouldn't be such a headache.

When I told my mum about it, there was a look of contempt on her face that just sends me back into the prison of her world. All she could think of was that it could be my debtor. Duh. I didn't borrow from a loan shark. Why would they stalk me like that? She didn't say a word after that. It was if she was telling me that I deserved it & there was no crying about it. Or perhaps she just felt too helpless to help her daughter.

It is things like that that makes me feel that I'm not worth it. That I'm not good enough, so that no one fights for me. Can anyone blame me for feeling worthless?

Of course, I know that's not true. That's why I sent an emergency sms to all my close friends & PCM members. If anything, I think prayer is the best form of weapon & I believe that once we've prayed, God will not leave me in the lurch.

If I do get attacked, I still have some kickboxing techniques that I could finally put to real practise. And, well, a pocket knife that I bought specifically for these emergencies.

Hopefully, I will never get to use it.

Later.