The Word Works!: CHRISTIAN CHARACTER

What a statement! I tell you; whenever I meditate upon that I thank God for His Word. He says fill your head and your heart with the scriptures because in so doing you are sewing seeds that the Spirit of God can germinate. So what are some of the fruits you bear as you saw the seeds? What would they germinate into? Notice the Word (seeds) that you get into you is a Spirit. Bible says “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23. So as you fill your mind and heart with the Word of God, the fruits of the Spirit are reproduced in your life. It’s automatic! If a child of God does not reflect theses qualities but reflects the opposite of them, what do you think will become of unbelievers? Your way of life would even discourage them from accepting Christ. Meanwhile, your life should preach the Gospel; people should be willing to receive Christ just because of your character, your way of life. Sometimes believers even find it difficult loving their partners (spouses); a little misunderstanding develops into quarrel. They make so much noise that unbelievers get to know about what’s going on in their marriage. Where then is the fruit of love, peace, gentleness etc. oh ye man or woman of faith?

Why should a believer find it difficult to submit to authority while the Spirit of God indwells him? As Pastor Smith Wigglesworth said, you must be soaked with the Word of God, you must be so filled with it such that you yourself are a living epistle, known and read by all men. When you’re rich with the Word of God, the character of the Spirit will be so evident in your life that those around you will notice it. People should learn from you. Pastor says be soaked with the Word such that men can read you. I love this! Its God’s ideal that we submit to authority and not be rebellious. The party you support not being in power doesn’t mean you should say wrong things about the ruling government; you’re to show respect to them so as to live in peace. If you’re supposed to pay your taxes pay, if the government deserves your praise let it be known.

“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” Romans 13:1-7. From this scripture we find out that if you’re a rebel, you’re only not rebelling against authority but God! Would unbelievers even listen to you if you turn out to preach to them while they know the wrongs you do? Of course not!

In fact Titus 3:1 says, “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good.” Cultivate the habit of humility. God’s Word says, “The LORD mocks the mockers but is gracious to the humble.” Proverbs 3:34. “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6. If you’re humble God lifts you up and if you’re arrogant he opposes you. This is a fact! Learn to forgive others whatever pain they might have caused you. It may be difficult but as you do it often, it’ll become normal to you. God wants you to reflect His character because whether you know or not you’re His representative on earth. You should live as He would if he were here. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32.

Let's see what Stephen told God even when he was being stoned to death. “Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, and cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” Acts 7:57-60. While being stoned to death, he cried in prayer on behalf of the people to God that He should not count their sins against them. He interceded for them while they hurt him. What a character! Stephen could have suffered more of the stone of persecution but he prayed the right prayer through the Holy Spirit and God relieved him. I am absolutely convinced here that Stephen's last prayer prepared salvation for Saul, who later became Paul, who wrote several books of the New Testament. However, let us obey the Word of God and pray for our enemies. You will be surprised at how God turns to use them for the furtherance of His Gospel. God has the right judgement for every act. I don't know if all the people that stoned Stephen were saved but at least Saul became saved.

In the Bible, you get to find out as you read that there are many Characters that God’s Word depicts to us: both good and evil. The reason why God made His saints record such instances was to make us learn from them. There are many men and women that God praised but I want to share the lives of only two with you. Find those that God praised and learn from their way of life. Let's find out something from the Bible. “And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” Matthew 11:7-11.What a superb man! Jesus said among them that are born of women, there has not been a greater person than John the Baptist.

In John 3:22, 25-30, Bible says, “After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.”

From the scripture we just read, John knew Jesus by prophetic revelation that He was the Christ; there was no need to argue. Even though John was in the position to baptize Jesus, yet he never boasted. As a Christian, someone going to church on Saturdays shouldn't make you argue with him or her because you go to church on Sundays. The only important thing is that we all believe in Christ and therefore are one Body in Him. Never comment or say negative things concerning other men of God. If you're the drummer in a church or other function, you may not really see yourself in video, TV-broadcast, magazines, among others for people to see that you're the best drummer, in spite of these, you say that you're fulfilled for producing that sound. That's a true character.

Even though John could have boasted, yet he said, "He must increase, but I must decrease". What a life! Learn to be content with all that you have. Don't worry about people not recognizing or not greeting you when they see you. Greet them rather if they don't. Have real love for them, for that's the life we've been called to live. In the Book of Esther 3, Bible tells us of how Mordecai, refused to bow down to prince Haman due to his pride and it came to pass that the people told Haman that Mordecai wasn't bowing down to him whenever he passed by. Mordecai didn’t bow to Prince Haman because he was filled with pride. Bible says Prince Haman planned to kill him but the Lord resisted him. Humility is also another important part of true character. Sometimes, there are people who tend to become a torn in the flesh of others just because of their possessions. Because of what they have, the way the walk and talk changes. They feel so proud but Bible says a man cannot have, unless he's given from heaven. What does one gain after all these? Nothing!

This is another thing that I want to tell you. Don't bother where you are now; don't hesitate to be in a certain place or position because you see your mates and other friends there. God's promotion does not come by the force of men. I know where I've got to be now is not from God. Just relax. No matter what happens, just take a hold unto His promises. He said, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11. Please learn to be humble. “... and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” 1 Peter 5:5-6. No matter the situation, God will exalt you. Don't force yourself, for He's got time for you.

Let's see what John told Jesus when He came to be baptized by him. “But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.” Matthew 3:14-15. He respected Jesus enough. He didn't say well come let me baptized you because I am the one to do it. He said I need to be baptized by you and you are coming to me? Superb! “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:7-8. Jesus was God, yet He took upon himself the flesh of a man and was humble in all his life, even unto death. When he was about to be crucified, he had the power to command angels and chariots to devour the soldiers, yet because of us, in humility, he endured death.

A young rich ruler once went to Jesus and asked him a question. Let's see what went on between them. “And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” Luke 18:18-25.

Make it a point to share your wealth with the poor and needy and to support the Work of God. When Jesus told this young ruler to sell all that he had, give them to the poor and follow him, he became so sad that he left. Support God's work and make it a point to always pay your tithe in church. Be grateful for who you are. Rather than spending your money on things that are of less importance, use your money in buying Christian books and other literature, DVDs to help you grow. God wants us to grow quickly, because life is so short and there's no wasting of time. We've got to feed our Spirit so much with God's Word.

Matthew 5:1-4 tells us, “And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” The poor in Spirit are those that have given up everything in the Spirit. Because they have more, they have given them up for the betterment and fulfillment of others. They give to foster the spread of the gospel. Nothing really matters to them. When Jesus said “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted”, he didn't mean the one who’s mourning because his or her father or mother died. In the Bible, the prophets mourned for the children of God that were in captivity, interceding and mourning on behalf of them in prayer. Ever since you became born again did you think about the fact that someone somewhere groaned in the Spirit on your behalf?

In the Book of Exodus 32, we find out how Moses interceded on behalf of the people of Israel for their sins. God was about to destroy them but for Moses’ intercession, God had compassion. Our struggle to make ourselves great is useless. If God has accepted you, it doesn't matter who doesn't accept you. Choose to be humble. The Apostle Paul says, “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.” Romans 6:14-15. Even though we’re under grace and not under the law, Paul says it doesn’t mean we should be sinning intentionally. If so be the case, how will we be able to stand in public to preach the Gospel? There’s certainly going to be a sense of guilt and lack of confidence. “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.” 1 Peter 2:17.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8.