30
Jan '25
Character Traits of Influential CHRISTians
30
Jan '25
Introduction: In this New Year of 2025, do you need to evaluate your usefulness as a believer in Jesus Christ? What is it that sets apart those men and women who our Lord uses? Here are a few traits that answers that question.
1. Endurance! (2Tim 2:1-3) – “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”
Remember. Quitters never win, and Winners never quit! Are you a quitter?
2. Humility! (James 4:4-6) – “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
Real humility is recognizing who we are in Jesus Christ alone. In other words, it is seeing ourselves as He sees us, and thus not thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought. Are you humble? One man was awarded a medal for being humble but when he put it on they took it away!
3. Vision! (Neh. 1:4) – “And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven.”
Nehemiah first prayed and then was able to see what God wanted to do, namely rebuild the broken-down walls of Jerusalem. Are you able to see what needs to be done? Do you follow through as God leads? Is it your vision or the Lord’s?
4. Purpose! (John 20:21) – “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.”
We are sent into this world on a mission. What is your mission?
5. Wisdom! (Phil 1:9) – “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment.”
The word for knowledge used here means “spiritual knowledge.” Is that something you desire?
6. Integrity! (Phil 1:10) – “That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.”
After passing the test {approve}, then our God-given goal is to be the REAL DEAL – without cracks. Have you cracked?
7. Patience! (Col 1:10,11) – “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.”
The word “patience” is μακροθυμία, which means long-suffering or forbearance. Forbearance has to do with restraint or tolerance. Pass the Patience Please!
8. Spiritual Mindedness! (Rom 8:5-8) – “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.”
Due to the battle for the mind, the flesh is weak, but the Spirit is willing. Can you feel the war?
9. Obedience! (Isaiah 6:8) – “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!'”
When God speaks we need to listen! But more so, we need to obey. Is your life characterized by obedience?
10. Servant heart! (Matt 20:26-28) – “But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
There you have it from the lips of our Master. Follow Him! Are you?
Conclusion: After reviewing this brief list of some essential character traits, what changes do you need to make? Perhaps all of us as redeemed believers could use some tweaking from time to time.
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese