What is a Man of God? 

This blog entry was written by Eric, a friend and fellow servant of our Lord. Eric and his family have been members of Mount Zion Road Church for many years. Most importantly however, they are faithful followers of our Lord and King, Jesus Christ. I am thankful and blessed that Eric was willing to allow me to post this entry on my website. Eric encourages us to consider the Biblical, true definition of what it is to be a man of God. I pray that you find these words to be edifying in your walk of faith. May we all serve the Lord with integrity, honor and reverence, for the glory of Jesus!

A man of God is one who believes, obeys, and follows Him in every way according to Scripture.  Scripture is our ultimate authority for life, and through it, we understand what is required to become a man of God.  2 Timothy 3:16-17 explains the supreme authority of Scripture in a believer’s life, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of Godmay be complete, equipped for every good work.” This passage teaches us that all discipled Christian men who believe and obey the Word are deemed men of God. 

1 Timothy 6:11-22 gives us an overview of the biblical characteristics of a man of God.

Through these verses, we learn that a man of God lives with:

  • Integrity as he flees anything to do with false teaching.
  • Godliness; he pursues love, righteousness, and peace according to what Jesus taught.
  • Righteousness. He follows the Lord’s commands and keeps himself unstained from the sins of the world.
  • Generosity with what the Lord has given him.
  • Knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, which makes one effective for kingdom work. 
  • Spirit-filled direction. 

What are the key traits of a Man of God?

A man of God obeys His Word with love, not living for the things of this life but for the things of eternity, willingly serving God in giving freely of his resources, and gladly suffering as a consequence of his faith. Perhaps Micah 6:8 sums up the man of God in one verse: “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”  

In 1 Timothy 6:12, Paul tells Timothy to fight the good fight of faith. From this, we learn that a man of God knows the perseverance necessary to accomplish this lifelong task. The man of God knows he is lost without the Holy Spirit and relies on Him for his walk with Christ.  Not by our effort or ability, but by His power and His grace.  And as we trip up or fall short, we seek and allow Him to build us back up.

The good fight includes serving Christ by serving others. A man of God does not seek the approval of men but of God; therefore, as he becomes more like Christ, he serves with Christlike compassion.

A man of God is a servant-leader, as is our Lord. A man of God, by his faithful servant leadership, will provide a Christlike witness to unbelievers in his work, relationships, and life as a whole.

How does a Man of God demonstrate faith?

In Luke 11:37-54, Jesus communicated with a Pharisee who admonished Him for not following their rules for washing before a meal. Jesus responded by rebuffing the hypocrites who, “cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness” (v. 39). One lesson that can be gleaned from this interaction is that hypocrites breed hypocrites. A man of God, instead, hides nothing, for his heart is attuned to what he has been taught from Scripture and from his godly mentors. He demonstrates his faith by how his heart leads him along all paths of life.

A man of God not only guards his heart, but he also guards his time in God’s Word. His approach to Scripture includes quality, distraction-free time covered in prayer. 

Prayer serves as a man of God’s most important daily communication. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to “Pray Continually”, so prayer is the first step built on Scripture’s foundation.

The foundation of Scripture study and prayer builds a man’s trust in God because, in both, the man of God gains personal knowledge of his heavenly Father and of His plans. With this solid footing, a man of God can faithfully lead others in godly living by example and by teaching. The example he displays to his family has eternal benefits as they learn from him.

How can a Man of God lead his family and in his community?

An active man of God should strive to be as godly a man as possible. He gains his greatest counsel from the Word of God and in fellowship with other godly men. 

A man of God, who leads his family and in his community well, will:

  • Love God above all else and spend quality time in the Word and in prayer.
  • Love his wife as Christ loves the church and will demonstrate Christlike character in his role as husband (Ephesians 5:25).
  • Love his children and teach them the ways of following Christ (Proverbs 22:6).
  • Love his church family and serve alongside them, within the church and within their community.
  • Not be a workaholic.  While work may be fulfilling, it should not be all-consuming of his time and energy.
  • Be a wise steward of God’s resources.
  • Be balanced in service so no one suffers a lack of his love and leadership.
  • Disciple young men and encourage other church members
  • Avoid the very appearance of evil and wrong-doing.
  • Seek first God’s will, wisdom, kingdom, and righteousness.

How does one grow into a Man of God?

The first action a man must take is to receive salvation by surrendering in faith and repentance to the Lord Jesus Christ. As a new believer, a man should seek a Bible-based church with which to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. Without the work of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, it’s impossible for anyone to please God or be a Godly example for others.

A man of God trusts the Lord to grow him. In today’s world, a man of God stands out in bold contrast to the dominant culture which is full of false teachers. He does pretty much everything opposite to what the world does or approves of; he goes “against the grain” of society because he knows these things displease God.  It’s important for a man of God to sharpen his discernment as he interacts with our culture. 

He must take practical steps to deepen his faith and grow in spiritual maturity. Having a mentor, an accountability group, and immersing himself in prayer contribute to becoming a man of God.

In closing, a man of God surrenders his entire being to his Creator, centers his life around God’s word, walks in the Spirit, and upholds truth with love and courage. By trusting in Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection, he gains the power to live righteously and the assurance of eternal life. Thus, his deepest aim becomes to glorify God in everything.  It should be the desire of every man of God to stand before the Lord one day and hear, “Well done, My faithful servant.”

-Eric

Kingdom Realities of the Holy Spirit

Latest episode of Kingdom War Room with Dr. Lake, Dr. Spaulding and myself. In this episode we discuss the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. We examine true discipleship as led by the Lord. I pray that you are encouraged, edified and directed in your walk of faith by our Savior Jesus.

Click the link to listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTihzqdhH_U&t=1266s

Episode description:

In this powerful episode of the Kingdom War Room, Dr. Michael Lake, Dr. Mike Spaulding, and Dr. Corby Shuey confront many of the theological errors and spiritual deceptions that have infiltrated the modern charismatic movement. Together, they examine the true biblical role of the Holy Spirit, the difference between the New Birth and Spirit empowerment, the misuse of spiritual gifts, and the growing danger of counterfeit signs and wonders in the last days.
The discussion moves deeply into Scripture, exposing how emotionalism, entertainment-driven Christianity, and modern mystical movements have replaced authentic discipleship and intimacy with God. The team also explores the biblical purpose of the gifts of the Spirit, the importance of the fruit of the Spirit, discernment regarding modern revival movements, and how believers can prepare spiritually for the rise of deception connected to the Antichrist system.
This episode is a sobering but encouraging call for believers to return to covenant faithfulness, authentic prayer, deep study of the Word of God, and genuine intimacy with Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Kingdom War Room #60 challenges the remnant to move beyond hype and emotionalism into a Spirit-led life grounded in truth, holiness, discernment, and the Word of God.
📚 Topics Covered Include:

  • The difference between the New Birth and the baptism of the Holy Spirit
  • Why many modern charismatic manifestations fail biblical discernment
  • The danger of building doctrine on isolated Scriptures
  • The biblical purpose of the gifts of the Spirit
  • Why the fruit of the Spirit matters more than spiritual hype
  • False signs and wonders in the last days
  • The coming deception connected to the Antichrist system
  • Problems with entertainment-driven church culture
  • Why believers must return to deep Bible study and prayer
  • The role of discernment in the end times
  • Analog faith vs digital spirituality
  • Preparing the remnant for the days ahead

– Pastor Corby

Dear Woman of God

This blog was written by my wife and ministry partner, Kelly. I am blessed by the Lord to have been given a wife who is a continual support to me and my family. She has a kind heart of empathy and service. She stands alongside of me as we strive to serve our Savior and King, Jesus. May He help us to humbly follow His lead in order to proclaim the mercy, grace and love of our Messiah. I am honored to be able to share the thoughts Kelly has written with you. I pray that you are blessed and encouraged in the reading.

Dear Woman of God,

I know it’s not easy. No matter what your age, the world attempts to pull you down and shut you up. It tells you that you will never measure up, you’ll never be smart enough, pretty enough, thin enough, good enough. You’ll never be enough. Silence that nagging voice. You were created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). He has a purpose for you (Philippians 2:13). Seek Him first (Luke 11:9). Look to His Word (Psalm 119:11, James 1:22). Live your calling with humility (Philippians 2:12). May you be encouraged by the Biblical women who came before you; may they cheer you on from the pages of scripture.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Heb. 12:1-3

Be teachable like Eve (Genesis 2)

Show integrity like Shiphrah & Puah the Egyptian midwives (Exodus 1:15-21)

Sacrifice like Jochebed (Exodus 2)

Worship like Miriam (Exodus 15)

Have courage like Rahab (Joshua 2)

Lead like Deborah (Judges 4-5)

Persevere like Ruth (Ruth)

Be transformed like Naomi (Ruth)

Pray like Hannah (1 Samuel 2)

Stand in the gap like Abigail (1 Samuel 25)

Fight like Esther (Esther)

Trust like Mary (Luke 1)

Reach for Jesus like the woman with the issue of blood (Luke 8)

Choose what is better like Mary of Bethany (Luke 10)

Serve like Tabitha/Dorcas (Acts 9)

Be hospitable like Lydia (Acts 16)

Advance the gospel like Pricilla (Acts 18, Romans 16)

Be supportive like Phoebe (Romans 16)

Be unwavering like Mary Magdalene

-Kelly

Put On Then: Love

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:12-15 ESV)

The characteristic Apostle Paul lists in this encouragement to the body of Jesus which rises above all others is that of love. We are to be adorned with all of the attributes of Christian character listed in this passage through the help of His Holy Spirit, but above all of them resides love. It is love that conditions our character and how we walk out our faith in service to both our King and to others. It is the recognition of the love of our Messiah which inspires us to humbly follow. It is the love that was first poured out for us which compels us to reciprocate the love we were given toward the One who ultimately gave. Jesus gave of Himself because of love so that we might live! Therefore as the Apostle Paul encourages, let us put on love.

The word love found here in the English is taken from the Greek word Agape (G26). I am sure we are all familiar with this term. Agape is self-sacrificing, devotional and benevolent love. It is a love driven for the sake of those who are loved. Jesus went to the cross expressing this love. He suffered the penalty of our sin for the sake of those He loved. He has Redeemed us because of His love for us as His children. He will return to receive us into His Kingdom, forever, because we are loved. As we are loved, we too should respond to this indescribable love of Jesus through our humble devotion toward Him.

Agape love is considered the highest form of love. It is a love that can only result from the humility of the one loving. It comes from a choice to recognize the worth of those who are loved. To lay down one’s own will for the sake of the other, is love. Our Messiah gives us this example when He went to the cross to accomplish the purpose of His first advent, to save those who are His. The body of Messiah must therefore adopt this attitude in our love for one another as we endeavor to build one another up for the common good of accomplishing the work that He has set before us. When we begin to recognize the depth to which we are loved by Jesus, we will be able to perceive but a glimpse of the hope we have in His glory (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). Our eyes fixed upon what is eternal, we choose then to walk in love in effort to accomplish our purpose for His glory!

The Apostle Paul gives the body of Messiah this instruction in his letter to the church in Corinth.

“If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things”

-(1 Corinthians 13:1-7 NASB95)

These words are most often used during a wedding ceremony. But we must remember that the Apostle Paul is writing to the church. His words are directed to those who have declared faith in Jesus as their savior. While these words are appropriate to share to a couple who is entering into a marriage covenant, they are vital for all of us. These words should not be relegated to only a wedding, but applied daily to the walk of faith for each one. Love must direct our efforts to follow our Savior. All that we choose to do must be driven by the love we have for Jesus. As Paul reminds us, we can choose to act or be motivated to accomplish all sorts of things, but if we do them absent our love for Jesus, we are nothing. It serves no ultimate purpose for the glory of our King. If we do not walk in love for Jesus, we are just making a whole bunch of purposeless noise. 

            Let us then be patient and kind. Not driven by jealousy or anger in our arrogance to place ourselves at the center of our will, But let us lay down our will for the sake of following the will of our Father. Let us forgive as we have been forgiven. Rejoicing in truth because we can praise the Name of the One who helps us endure all things through His love. Let us walk according to His purpose in our lives for the glory of our King! And finally, let us love in both word and in truth (1 John 3:18). May we all choose to do our best to be the people that our Savior has created us to be. Let the love we confess with our mouths truly be an expression of the love we hold within our heart. All this for the glory of Jesus, who first loved us.

KWR: The Placebo of the Entertainment Church

Latest episode of the Kingdom War Room with Dr. Michael Lake, Dr. Mike Spaulding and myself. In this episode we discuss the consequences of allowing an entertainment model to take precedence in how we hold our worship services.

Click the link to watch!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR8viMPCf2A&t=518s

Episode description: In this powerful episode of the Kingdom War Room, Dr. Michael Lake, Dr. Mike Spaulding, and Dr. Corby Shuey expose the placebo of the entertainment church and why it has left much of the modern church spiritually weak, biblically shallow, and unprepared for the days ahead.
The discussion addresses how seeker-sensitive models, business-driven ministry, false spirituality, and biblical illiteracy have created a dangerous vacuum in the Body of Christ. The team contrasts this man-made system with the true pattern of New Testament discipleship, spiritual maturity, pastoral care, and deep teaching from the Word of God.
This episode is a serious call for pastors, leaders, and believers to return to Christ and Him crucified, to reopen the wells that have been stopped up by Babylonian compromise, and to pursue a faith that is holy, transformative, and grounded in Scripture.
If you are hungry for substance rather than spectacle, for truth rather than performance, and for real kingdom life instead of religious entertainment, this War Room conversation is for you.

Predestination

I recently completed an in-depth study of the word Predestination. The purpose of the study is to dig into the entirety of God’s Word regarding this topic which can be confusing to understand. While the study addresses the concept of predestination, the ultimate motivation to tackle such a topic is to reveal the potential crisis of faith that can result if we do not carefully examine Scripture. The crisis revealed is found in the deceptions referred to as annihilationism and universalism. Annihilationism refers to the false belief that hell will one day be destroyed. Universalism is the false belief that all people will be granted entrance into heaven regardless of their faith or lack thereof. Faith in this context is not faith in Jesus, rather faith in anything and everything. As stated the purpose of the study Predestination is truly meant to bring insight and discernment so we as the people of God are equipped to not fall victim to false doctrine.

I attached a free copy of the first lesson of the Predestination study. You can print it by clicking the link below. If you find this lesson edifying, I encourage you to get the rest of the study. The book can be found under the Bible studies tab on this site.

All for the glory of my Savior and King, Jesus!

Predestination- Lesson 1Download

Cover photo credit Ali Shuey: https://ashuey-prod.myportfolio.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnvZKY2IrPCb-rmps4uKKCkTAmcMj2b1mwcttCIGP1cmiRpJaLIHdNxfu3Ajg_aem_hLqbksd027zSP-1QlgoyvQ

Put On Then: Forgiveness

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:12-15 ESV)

As we continue to survey the encouragement in the words of the Apostle Paul regarding what we are to put on as those who are humbly seeking to follow the leading of our Messiah, we can determine that these characteristics are all actively applied. We are to willingly seek the Lord as He sanctifies us in our faith. We are to recognize His perception of us as His, chosen and beloved children. We are to imitate Him as we endeavor to adopt reverence and holiness as an aspect of our faith. We are to actively apply compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience as we bear alongside one another. We are to diligently avoid empty complaints which can lead to divisive gossip within the body. As stated, all of these characteristic are actively applied through the help of the Lord. Additionally, as we allow the Lord to work within us, these characteristics become the expression of our faith from the heart. They should be evidenced in the life of a believer as they serve to indicate humility and reverence for our Messiah.

Along with the previously mentioned attributes of Christian character, the Apostle Paul reminds us to put on forgiveness. We are to forgive, as we have been forgiven. I am reminded of the words of our Messiah recorded in the book of Luke. “And Jesus answered him, ‘Simon, I have something to say to you.’ And he replied, ‘Say it, Teacher.’ ‘A moneylender had two debtors: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. ‘When they were unable to repay, he graciously forgave them both. So which of them will love him more?’ Simon answered and said, ‘I suppose the one whom he forgave more.’ And He said to him, ‘You have judged correctly.’ Turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, ‘Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet. You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume. For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.’ Then He said to her, ‘Your sins have been forgiven.’ Those who were reclining at the table with Him began to say to themselves, ‘Who is this man who even forgives sins?’ And He said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace.’”[1]

In these verses, Jesus addresses forgiveness. He uses an illustration we can all relate to in that of being forgiven a debt. Jesus affirms Simon the Pharisee’s answer. For those who are able to recognize the depth from which they have received forgiveness, love can be produced. Love for the one forgiving directed to the one who has been forgiven. In this example Jesus reveals the correct attitude we are to exhibit as we come to recognize the weight of the forgiveness we have been offered through the sacrifice of Jesus. We have been forgiven much. In turn we should love Jesus intentionally, diligently and with our whole heart. As much as the words of Jesus direct us to forgive, equally if not more so do they direct us to love because we can receive forgiveness.

Jesus extends His teaching on forgiveness by directing attention to a woman. The identity of this woman is not given. There are speculations as to who she might be, but the truth of her identity is beside the point. This woman is thought to have been delivered from the bondage of prostitution. Jesus reveals that she has received salvation because of her faith (Luke 7:50). Since the time she has been with Jesus, she has been reverently bowing at His feet. She has wet the feet of Jesus with her tears, wiping them with her hair. She anointed the feet of Jesus with expensive perfume, all acts of reverent love directed toward the One who has forgiven. She recognized the depth from which she has been saved. She recognized the power of Jesus to deliver her from despair and because she was forgiven much, in turn she responded in love. She understood that Jesus saved her because of His love for her as a beloved child. She was not offered forgiveness due to anything she had earned. She found forgiveness through the love of the only One who can truly forgive, Jesus. 

This woman serves as an example to all of us. Through the forgiveness of Jesus, she was able to see herself as Jesus saw her. As a beloved, precious, forgiven and redeemed child of a King! In our forgiveness and faith in Jesus, He declares the same thing over each one of us. It is because of Him that we are saved. It is through His sacrifice that we are forgiven. And it is His love that firmly establishes us upon a firm foundation, the Rock of our Salvation. Jesus our Messiah. We are saved because we are first loved.

Therefore, as we have been forgiven, so too must we strive to forgive. We are forgiven because of His love. As His children, we are then to allow the love we were first given to direct and condition our attitude. Our example is Jesus. It is faith in Him that offers all of us redemption from brokenness, mistakes and hardships. He does not condemn us in our brokenness. He convicts, corrects and redeems us through it. As we walk together, brothers and sisters in Jesus, let us all respond to the forgiveness of Jesus with love. First love for Him and then secondly love for one another. Let us walk with integrity in reverence to the love we were first given. For we have all been forgiven much, let us also love much.

[1] New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Lk 7:40–50.

Put Off Then: Complaining

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:12-15 ESV)

The Apostle Paul encourages those of faith to allow the Holy Spirit to bring forth fruit in keeping with humility as we follow the leading of our Messiah. Such characteristics are the fruit of the Spirit which is produced as we seek to allow the Lord to work within our heart. As we follow His lead, our lives should bear evidence of those things the Apostle Paul tells us to put on. 

Paul encourages us to put on forbearance or as he stated in Colossians 3:13 “bear with one another”. In our forbearance, we are to choose to walk alongside one another in order to edify and build one another up in faith. This is one of the key aspects of fellowship. Along with the encouragement to put on various characteristics, Paul also alludes to other attitudes which we should take off. As we endeavor to walk alongside of one another in faith, we are to put offcomplaining. Paul warns, we are to put off complaints against one another. The Greek word translated as complaint in verse thirteen is μομφή (G3437- momphe). This word is defined to mean to complain or to pass blame. Paul is clearly stating in his exhortation to the church that in our forbearance with one another as brothers and sisters in faith, we are to diligently avoid passing blame. This is very often the case as we consider complaints. A complaint is levied against another person or a situation because the one complaining is passing blame for something that they personally do not like. More often than not the complaint is based on a personal preference or a demand for conformity to the desires of the one complaining. Paul warns us very clearly, to be careful not to complain for the sake of complaining or blaming others. This attitude does nothing for the edification of the body of Messiah.

Now to interject briefly, I must say complaining is far different from having true, humble concern for another. If we see a brother or sister struggling, we are to come alongside of them in support in the hope that the Lord will work to bring resolve to the hardship (Gal. 6:1-5; Rom. 15:1-2; Eph. 4:32; James 5:13-16). But we are never to point out the struggles of another as a mechanism to complain about them (Matt. 7:1-5). Such attitudes do nothing but tear another down. 

Back to the matter at hand, in our complaints we pass blame. We tear down. We bring strife within the camp. We allow our tongue to bring forth the possibility of division. Solomon warns us about the power of words. Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.”[1] The words we speak have the power to build up or tear down. We are warned in this verse to do our best to use words that will edify those around us. We will eat the fruit produced by the words we speak. Therefore speak things that will nourish fellowship within the community of faith. Proverbs 12:18, “There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” [2] Words of complaint are like the thrusting of a sword against those who are the target of the complaint. Such words do nothing to bring reconciliation, only further division. Rather than using words that tear down and divide, we should as the Proverb instructs use wise words which can bring healing. We are therefore instructed to use our words carefully. The words we speak are best spoken in the effort to edify rather than complain against. To build up rather than to blame and tear down. Additionally Proverbs 15:1-2, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, but the mouth of fools spouts folly.”[3] The manner in which we address one another can either turn away wrath or stir up anger. We can use words that are spoken in an effort to encourage and come to an understanding or we can use words that add fuel to a fire stirring up disharmony within our fellowship. Be aware of the words you use, and may they be glorifying to your Savior.

Beloved, there is already enough garbage in this world which attempts to drive us apart. There is already enough distraction, conflicts and disharmony we do not need to add trash to the heap. We should strive to use words that bolster faith. We are to edify one another to encourage perseverance. For in our perseverance, the Lord will fill us with hope (Romans 5:1-5). This hope will not disappoint, rather this hope reminds us of the love poured out for the Salvation of our souls through the mercy of Jesus.

I am not addressing in the writing a neglect of accountability. I am not suggesting that we are to avoid being accountable to God nor am I saying that we do not need to be accountable to one another. Holding ourselves accountable is different than uttering complaints based on a difference of opinion or preference. We are to be accountable to God and to one another because in our willingness to be accountable, the Lord will help us grow producing the fruit of faith which is His will for those who call Him Savior (Prov. 28:13; James 5:16). 

Considering again the Apostle Paul’s instruction in the book of Colossians, We must remember that he is writing to the church. He is warning those in the church to conduct themselves in a manner that is honoring to our Messiah. Paul is not speaking to those who do not know any better. It is wise for us all to heed such instruction. It is wise for us to monitor the words we speak. It is noble to conduct ourselves in a manner that glorifies our Savior to the best of our capacity, encouraging one another while today is still called today (Hebrews 3:12-14). 

One last word to consider in regard to our walk as people of faith. In the book of Romans. Chapter 14, Paul instructs the church to act in grace toward others as they grow in faith. We are to be careful not to look down upon others. Paul warns against blaming or complaining against another who we perceive to be weak. Paul encourages us to allow grace and the council of the Lord to instruct all of us in our walk of faith. In verse 4 Paul wrote, “Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.”[4] Who are we to judge another believer who is humbly striving to seek the Lord. It is by his own master that he is made to stand or fall. What Paul is telling us is that we are all to be servants of our Messiah. Our individual eyes must be focused on Him. We are to seek Him out as we endure the perseverance of our faith. As we focus on Jesus, He will instruct, teach and convict us in our walk. He will cause us to stand or fall. The presence and power of the Holy Spirit will draw us to Jesus. We are to keep our eyes fixed on Him. Paul is reminding us that too often we fix our eyes on what we complain about in others. We fix our eyes in what we perceive to be weakness or failings in a situation. And as we choose to do this we become distracted, agitated and lost. Focusing on complaints only leads us into the weeds. And the glory that is due our Savior is misdirected to deceptively direct attention to the distractions.

We must remember as Paul tells us in verses 10-12, “But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written, ‘As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall give praise to God.’ So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.”[5] We are each one accountable for our own walk. We are each one accountable for the words we speak and the attitude we exhibit. We will each one stand before Almighty God giving an account of the good things He has done through our humility. Pray therefore that we choose to hold this attitude as we walk out our faith. Pray to the Lord for perseverance as He helps us endure the trials that this life sometimes throws at us. Pray that we choose to build one another up with words of edification rather than complaints. It is this attitude of reverence for our King that will unify His people under His covering of authority.

[1] New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Pr 18:20–21.

[2] New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Pr 12:18.

[3] New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Pr 15:1–2.

[4] New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Ro 14:4.

[5] New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Ro 14:10–12.

Put On Then: Forbearance

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:12-15 ESV)

Our Messiah gives us this promise before He ascended to His heavenly throne. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”[1] He command to us is to take His Word out into all of this world in effort to being others to the knowledge of Salvation. Through our living example, we are to serve as teaching disciples demonstrating how we are to live in accord with the truth of His word. But in our own efforts, can we ever hope to accomplish this with integrity? The answer is clearly no. We do not have the wherewithal to accomplish this without the help of Jesus. It is for this reason that He tells us that He will be with us until the end of the age. He will walk with us as we endeavor to follow His lead. He will never leave us nor forsake us (Deut. 31:6; Joshua 1:5; Isaiah 41:10-13; Hebrews 13:5).

Jesus will be with us as we walk out our faith, carrying His Word and bringing truth to others. He will bear with us as His people. In the verses we have been studying, the Apostle Paul suggests this very thing. As our Savior bears with us in our walk of faith, so too must we bear with one another (Col. 3:13). We are to endure alongside one another as we all do our best to follow our Messiah. In other words, put on then: forbearance. As disciples of Jesus a condition of our character must be patient endurance. We must exert self-control even in difficult situations for His glory. This again is not something we could accomplish by our own strength. It is only through the enduring presence of Jesus who equips us in forbearance. 

In our faith, we act as His body (1 Cor. 12; Eph. 4; Col. 1). We have been baptized into One faith in Jesus, but unto each one He has imparted diverse gifts to be used in service to His people, each one a valued member of the greater call to proclaim the Gospel of truth. As Paul tells us “For the body is not one member, but many (1 Cor. 12:14 NASB95).” Each of us in our own unique gifting is called to serve alongside of one another. In forbearance we are to serve with humble devotion toward Jesus. We must humbly submit to His authority in our lives, knowing that He is working all things together for those who love Him (Rom. 8:28). 

Jesus has given us His Word to carry. Think about that just for a moment. Almighty God, the Creator of the universe, the One who spoke all things both seen and unseen into existence through the utterance of a Word, has trusted us to be witnesses (Col. 1:13-23). The Lord has placed the Word of Salvation in our hands to carry forth. Let us then do this with joy knowing that our service with be to His glory. Let us serve with integrity, recognizing that we are ambassadors representing the hope found in our Lord. And finally, let us walk in reverence. We carry His Name. We proclaim His Word. We are living testimonies of His Salvation. Be such with reverent honor and devotion to your Savior and King! In forbearance serve alongside of one another knowing that in our service, we truly bring glory to Jesus.

[1] New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Mt 28:19–20.

Put On Then: Patience

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:12-15 ESV)

We live in a world that is often mandated with busyness. There is busyness in daily lives, busyness in responsibilities to employers, friends and various obligations. Technology can be a benefit to help manage some of the demands of the day. However with the advancement of technology, the world is growing all the more close. This is both good and bad. It is good in the sense that we are given the opportunity to connect with family and friends more readily. In addition, technology allows us to accomplish things far quicker. What would have taken weeks or days to accomplish years ago, can now often be accomplished within moments. The speed at which we can communicate has increased dramatically with the plethora of devices, apps, and tech to expedite communications. Well, maybe communication is too strong a word to be used in this context. Possibly a more accurate way to describe communication through technology is that it has increased our capacity to send and receive messages. The increased capacity to send and receive messages elevates within us pressure to respond. Though seemingly insignificant those not yet responded to messages on our various devices can increase the sense of busyness in that we can feel as if there is always one more thing to accomplish. We are artificially pressured to stay connected.

The downside of advanced technology and the closeness of our world is also detrimental in that it exacerbates our expectations. We want answers, solutions and work to be accomplished with the utmost expediency if not immediately. We get frustrated if we need to wait for an answer. Thus we invent ways to get us the answer we desire faster and according to our demand, and the feeling of constant busyness increases. We have placed artificial and self-imposed deadlines that reinforce the feeling of constant busyness. With this elevated feeling of busyness, it becomes more difficult to allow our minds to be quiet. The closeness and the demands of our modern world often fills our minds with self-imposed deadlines, pressure and persistent noise. 

Yet as close as technology seems to draw us in its capacity to connect, we are increasingly drifting farther apart. The ease of communication or again should I say sending and receiving messages has allowed for the human to slip toward an existence that is becoming far too isolated. With the alacrity of sending and receiving messages and the demand for responses, we are growing all the more impatient and distant. Impatient with slow answers. Impatient when we need to wait. Impatient with others and even impatient with ourselves. As we become more and more impatient, we also become more agitated and anxious. No doubt the increased busyness that seems to be an inescapable part of life is being used by the enemy to cause us to suffer with increased impatience and anxiety. The enemy strives to breed discontent in the human. In our discontent, we are enticed to harbor anger and resentment because we have grown far too impatient to wait upon the Lord trusting in His leading. We are becoming far too impatient to abide with Him and to abide with one another.

It is for this reason that we must pay all the more attention to the Word of our Lord and to our faith. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in the verses we have been working through, we must be willing to be patient. It is patience that our world desperately lacks. And it is patience that we must willingly choose to put on. We must be patient. We must actively recognize how easily the feeling of busyness can overwhelm us causing us to become frustrated with others, situations and the self. In our frustration we can easily fall into the trap of reacting which typically causes things to grow far more difficult. Patience is an attribute given by God that is essential for us to put on seeking His help in walking it out. As the Lord is gracious and patient with us. We must seek His council to equip us with patience as well. It is in our willingness to wait upon the Lord that we will be equipped with strength to endure.[1]

Too often we demand of others much more than we even demand of ourselves. Then when the other does not meet the exaggerated expectation we have placed on them due to our lack of patience, we lash out in frustration. The lashing out can bring chaos and brokenness within our relationships. This again is exactly what the enemy desires to afflict upon us. he wants us to suffer brokenness. he wants us to wallow in the anxiety and the fatigue of busyness. he wants our minds to be so full of the noise of the day that we choose not to listen for the leading of our Messiah. he wants to exhaust us mentally so that we give up the abiding in Jesus. 

Brothers and sisters, we are all works in progress. Not one of us is perfect, but to the glory of God He is patient with us.[2] He sees our struggles, hurts, disappointments and fear. He does not condemn, rather He equips and builds us up. We all must be willing to wait on the Lord. Willing to allow Him time to work and willing to allow ourselves time to receive what the Lord has done. We must be willing to be patient with one another, stiving to walk together in the bond of Jesus. He has drawn us together to be a testimony of His Salvation. Let us not then disgrace His mercy because of our impatience. Pray to the Lord to help us bear with one another in love.[3] Lastly, we must be patient with ourselves. We must cling to the hem of His garment as He works to help us to see the person that we have always been. A precious child of our Eternal King! In Jesus we are saved. In faith He helps us to know who we truly are. 

It is for this reason that the Lord gives us the reminder of putting on patience. Lacking patience causes us to react to the stresses of this life rather than respond to them with confidence in our Lord. When we allow ourselves to react rather than respond, we often cause further calamity. Therefore be patient. Humbly follow your Messiah. We must choose to be patient as the Lord works to bring all of us to where He wants us to be. To God be the glory!

[1] Psalm 37

[2] 2 Peter 3:9

[3] Ephesians 4:2