The Heart of Character

Worship

“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding ( 4) . . . Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place (12) . . . Where is the way to the dwelling of light? And darkness , where is its place . . . do you know it because you were born then, or because the number of your days is great? (19-21)” – Job 38.

HE is God.

“Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph! For the Lord Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth” (Ps. 47:1-2).

HE is praiseworthy.

“But [Jesus] said, ‘If they kept quiet, the stones would do it for them, shouting praise’” (Luke 19:40, The Message).

“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2: 10-11).

HE will be PRAISED!

Surrender

EVERYTHING starts with His glory! I did NOT create the heavens and earth. I don’t watch over the sunrise and sunset every day, let alone every creature on earth! And yet, I am NOT uncared for: “Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel: ‘My way is hidden from the Lord’” (Is. 40:27)—God says to not even THINK like that!!

And whether people love Him and WANT to worship Him, or hate Him and don’t, we will all bow to Him at His throne one day. He WILL be worshiped!!

The question right now for me is a matter of surrender. Although He could, He doesn’t force it. I have the choice to live a life of sin and self- importance, or to surrender. I know I DON’T want a life of sin, as comforting or appealing or safe as it may seem. I’ve seen the effects of DARKNESS and I don’t want it. So, my only other option is surrender.

And not just some surrender--- ALL. To this day, everything I’ve surrendered, in faith, to the Lord, has been blessed. My fear of surrendering isn’t even logical because He has proven Himself over and over that what is surrendered is put into very good hands. Whatever I’ve entrusted to His care or invested in His kingdom has 100% been blessed and multiplied for my good and growth and His glory. So, let me choose to surrender all. All of it!! Take it all Lord.

In humility, I must hold fast to the Savior, choosing to completely fall into, trust, the mysterious and mighty and good God that holds me.

Growth

Although pain is a catalyst for my growth, I’ve seen it at times also become a comfortable “friend” that I’m hesitant to part with. But I believe that if Paul says He can forget what is behind and press forward, so can I!! My past is neither something I can take glory in, nor pity. And although I choose to remember things in order to be wise, and trust in His proven faithfulness, I push forward. My focus is on what is ahead! I must seek to mature mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.

Although I do not want to overwork to get rich, or strive out of an anxious heart, I am called to diligence. I am called to redeem the time, be alert, and to follow through on what I begin. I am called to be a faithful worker, unto the Lord, even when I am not being watched by an overseer. I am also called to develop my mind and gifts to His glory and in His strength.

I also remember that words have so much power. What I speak in my mind and out loud have power to effect what I believe about myself and the world and God. I must speak words in perspective and encouragement and hope!

Wisdom

Wisdom is one of the necessary tools God calls me to take hold of for living the Christian life. Wisdom is called SUPREME and it is worth costing everything I have! And the beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. It is also vastly practical. It is used for PRACTICING the truth. Robert Coleman, author of The Master Plan of Evangelism, says that the disciples’ “capacity to receive revelation would grow provided they continued to practice what truth they did understand” (p. 56). It cannot simply be stored. By definition, wisdom is acting on the knowledge of truth we are given. The more I practice using wisdom, the wiser I’ll become.

One great outpouring of wisdom is self-control. Using restraint is neither immediately enjoyable nor easy. But it is certainly the means to a more enjoyable and easy life. Wisdom foresees this, and chooses friends and influences, actions and thoughts, carefully. It guards its heart and mind with vehemence and pursues purity and integrity. It initiates righteousness, when all others fall into evil, and it is proactive in planning ahead, seeking advice, and choosing to do what is right. It values character above achievement and believes there is value in the promise even when its rewards cannot be seen. Sometimes the things that are most obvious if we are outside the situation escape our minds when we’re deep in the situation and not actively pursuing wisdom.

Love and Compassion

I know that I am to love God and I am to love others! I love God by obeying His commands—“If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).  And I love others by pursuing their best interest—“Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (Phil. 2:2-3).  Though not immediately evident, pursuing someone else’s interest at the sacrifice of my own does bring me JOY!!

Forsaking jealousy, competition, and bitterness, I must DESIRE what is VERY GOOD for those around me, praying for them, encouraging them, being happy for them. Whatever UNlovliness or baggage or hurt or immaturity someone brings to community, I must surround them and confront, love on, endure, protect, pray for, and encourage their growth and success.

Confidence

“You who bring good tidings, get up into the high mountain . . . lift up your voice with strength, lift it up, be not afraid; Say to the cities of Judah, ‘Behold your God!’” (Is. 40:9).

I will choose confidence. Not fearing what man can do to me, I will fear God alone. I will speak of Him with boldness, and I will trust His directions and commands. When I cannot see, I will continue to move forward in faith and hope in something greater than myself and greater than my sight! Submissive to others, clothed in humility, and grounded in His Word, I will walk forward in confidence that I have an inheritance in heaven, that I am part of a royal family, that my Father is protecting me, that Jesus is coming again to bring me to my eternal home, and that I will live forever in the presence of my King!

God, develop my yearning heart with the character that You’ve designed for me to wear. Let me be a woman that worships in complete surrender, seeks to grow in humility, confidence and wisdom, and who loves others with a full heart. And let me love You above all!