May 5th 2019
A VOW reader asked a question and this commentary is a second installment trying to answer what I think was being asked!
Have you written anything that concentrates on men standing for God and fulfilling their role?
Mankind Standing For God And Fulfilling Their Role! – Part 2 of 3
Part of 2 of 3 is a study of mankind’s Integrity, our Purpose, and our Goal
Titus 2:3-8 (NIV)
Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no-one will malign the word of God.
Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
I tried to get a good description of the word integrity on the Internet, but could not find one I really liked! Therefore, I’m going to write one for this commentary. Integrity is the virtue of being able to consistently tell what you believe to be true, even when no one may agree with you! Integrity means always adhering to the truth even when no one knows it! Integrity means doing the right thing at all times and in all circumstances, whether or not anyone is watching.
The word "integrity" stems from the Latin adjective integer (whole, complete). In this context, integrity is the inner sense of "wholeness" deriving from qualities such as honesty and consistency of character. As such, one may judge that others "have integrity" to the extent that they act according to the values, beliefs and principles they claim to hold. (A partial description from Wikipedia)
Once you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and thus, have the Holy Spirit indwelling you, then it is possible to develop a character and virtue based on a true integrity within your soul. Mankind is not capable of developing a good character and possessing integrity without first putting Jesus in the driver’s seat of your life. If your sinful nature has not been offered up to Jesus to be sacrificed and buried, then there can be no true development of integrity based upon your salvation. Jesus offered to be our yoke mate and to help us pull our load in this life, and we need such help to become His disciples. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
When the Pharisees set out to trap Jesus in some form of blaspheme they referred to His integrity and how He taught what is true. The Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him (Jesus) in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. "Teacher," they said, "we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are. (Matthew 22:15-16). Notice what the Pharisees said about how Jesus treats every human being as though they are all equal in His eyes. Jesus did not show favoritism based on a person’s perceived standing in the community. Therefore, for us, His disciples, we are pressed to emulate Jesus by looking at all of mankind as being equal, as they are viewed by Jesus.
Our purpose in this life is to honor and glorify God. In the book of Isaiah we read what God told Isaiah about why God created mankind. Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him." (Isaiah 43:7, NKJV) God made it clear to Isaiah why He created us, and what He expects from us. Here God lets us know what our purpose in this life is, as we were created to glorify God, “Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory.” Therefore, all disciples of Jesus must direct their lives toward bringing glory to God. Are your daily actions pointed toward bringing glory to God, so that no one could ridicule your lifestyle?
An old question comes to mind here. The question is, “If you were brought up on charges of being a follower of Jesus Christ, would there be enough evidence in your life for you to be found guilty?” Are you guilty of being a follower of Jesus? This “guilt” will set you free, not cause you to be held back! A seat belt ad asks the question, “What is holding you back?” This type of holding you back is a good thing, but if you are holding back from claiming your freedom to tell someone the Good News, then you must continue to work on emulating Jesus. Are you giving glory to God by what you will do today?
John wrote about what he experienced through the visions he was given of the heavenly realms and how the twenty-four elders humbled themselves before the living God. Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." (Revelation 4:9-11)
Our goal is to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. (Romans 8:28-29). To help us attain this lofty goal Jesus left the Holy Spirit behind when He returned to heaven. This Spirit helps us even in our prayer time by giving us the language of God when we pray. Paul also tells us how this Spirit will help us when we are tempted. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure. (1 Corinthians 10:13b, NLT) This week concentrate on doing something to glorify God!
Next week my plan is to pick-up here to write Part 3 of 3. So stay tuned!
Part 3 of 3 - The end is near therefore Pray, Love, and Serve.
Your brother in life through Adam, your brother in eternity through Jesus,
Bob Moak
Have you written anything that concentrates on men standing for God and fulfilling their role?
Mankind Standing For God And Fulfilling Their Role! – Part 2 of 3
Part of 2 of 3 is a study of mankind’s Integrity, our Purpose, and our Goal
Titus 2:3-8 (NIV)
Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no-one will malign the word of God.
Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
I tried to get a good description of the word integrity on the Internet, but could not find one I really liked! Therefore, I’m going to write one for this commentary. Integrity is the virtue of being able to consistently tell what you believe to be true, even when no one may agree with you! Integrity means always adhering to the truth even when no one knows it! Integrity means doing the right thing at all times and in all circumstances, whether or not anyone is watching.
The word "integrity" stems from the Latin adjective integer (whole, complete). In this context, integrity is the inner sense of "wholeness" deriving from qualities such as honesty and consistency of character. As such, one may judge that others "have integrity" to the extent that they act according to the values, beliefs and principles they claim to hold. (A partial description from Wikipedia)
Once you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and thus, have the Holy Spirit indwelling you, then it is possible to develop a character and virtue based on a true integrity within your soul. Mankind is not capable of developing a good character and possessing integrity without first putting Jesus in the driver’s seat of your life. If your sinful nature has not been offered up to Jesus to be sacrificed and buried, then there can be no true development of integrity based upon your salvation. Jesus offered to be our yoke mate and to help us pull our load in this life, and we need such help to become His disciples. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
When the Pharisees set out to trap Jesus in some form of blaspheme they referred to His integrity and how He taught what is true. The Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him (Jesus) in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. "Teacher," they said, "we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are. (Matthew 22:15-16). Notice what the Pharisees said about how Jesus treats every human being as though they are all equal in His eyes. Jesus did not show favoritism based on a person’s perceived standing in the community. Therefore, for us, His disciples, we are pressed to emulate Jesus by looking at all of mankind as being equal, as they are viewed by Jesus.
Our purpose in this life is to honor and glorify God. In the book of Isaiah we read what God told Isaiah about why God created mankind. Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him." (Isaiah 43:7, NKJV) God made it clear to Isaiah why He created us, and what He expects from us. Here God lets us know what our purpose in this life is, as we were created to glorify God, “Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory.” Therefore, all disciples of Jesus must direct their lives toward bringing glory to God. Are your daily actions pointed toward bringing glory to God, so that no one could ridicule your lifestyle?
An old question comes to mind here. The question is, “If you were brought up on charges of being a follower of Jesus Christ, would there be enough evidence in your life for you to be found guilty?” Are you guilty of being a follower of Jesus? This “guilt” will set you free, not cause you to be held back! A seat belt ad asks the question, “What is holding you back?” This type of holding you back is a good thing, but if you are holding back from claiming your freedom to tell someone the Good News, then you must continue to work on emulating Jesus. Are you giving glory to God by what you will do today?
John wrote about what he experienced through the visions he was given of the heavenly realms and how the twenty-four elders humbled themselves before the living God. Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." (Revelation 4:9-11)
Our goal is to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. (Romans 8:28-29). To help us attain this lofty goal Jesus left the Holy Spirit behind when He returned to heaven. This Spirit helps us even in our prayer time by giving us the language of God when we pray. Paul also tells us how this Spirit will help us when we are tempted. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure. (1 Corinthians 10:13b, NLT) This week concentrate on doing something to glorify God!
Next week my plan is to pick-up here to write Part 3 of 3. So stay tuned!
Part 3 of 3 - The end is near therefore Pray, Love, and Serve.
Your brother in life through Adam, your brother in eternity through Jesus,
Bob Moak
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