What does it mean when we say, “I am a Christian?” We know we are supposed to be different, but that difference occasionally runs contrary to human reasoning. We have died yet live. We have been transformed, yet we remain the same. We are not of this world, yet here we are living and functioning with this world. What is involved – outside of merely making claims of being different – in being a Christian that truly does make us different.

Contradictory Ideas

Dead Yet Living. Romans 6:1-12 records Paul addressing our death to sin and the things of this world. He compares obedience to baptism with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. In Colossians 3:1, Paul calls upon us to seek things that are above, being raised up in Christ, and he refers to putting our earthly selves to death in verse 5. Galatians 2:20 calls us crucified with Christ. Self is put away, and Christ lives in us as we continue living.

Transformed Yet Unchanged. In Romans 12:1, in referring to us as living sacrifices, calls upon to be transformed, to be changed. II Corinthians 3:18 and Ephesians 4:23 both call on us to transform or renew ourselves. As we are raised from the grave of baptism, we undergo no physical changes, but Paul calls us transformed.

In, Not Of the World. John 17:16 records Jesus referring to His disciples as not of the world as He is not of the world. Colossians 3:2 tells us to set our minds on things above as opposed to the things of this life. In Philippians 3:19, Paul speaks of the shame in minding earthly things.

Reconciling the Confusion

How do we make sense of these paradoxes? How can we be so changed, yet appear unchanged? The death of Romans 6 is basically a separation from sin. Where physical death is a separation of life from our bodies. When we die to sin, we remove sinful attitudes and behaviors from our lives. We are still who we are, but we’ve put away those things and that former self that keeps us from God and His mercy. We become a living sacrifice according to Romans 12:1-2. Without physically dying, we cast off all that we formerly held valuable and give ourselves entirely over to God’s will.

When it comes to our transformation, Paul calls on us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. We remake our mind in the likeness of Christ. We take on a new mindset. How I may have lived, how I may have treated others, or the things I may have prioritized – these things are now part of the past. I Peter 1:14-15 calls us to fashion ourselves after God’s holiness in all things. I Peter 2:10 speaks of us obtaining mercy to undergo this change. In our death to sin, in our transformation through the reforming of our minds, we separate our priorities from this world. While in the world, we are no longer part of the world.

Conclusion

Saying we are Christians is more than believing in Christ, but there is much more involved in becoming a follower of Christ. Romans 6:12-14 warns us against letting sin reign over our lives. The changes in our lives as Christians involve us no longer pursuing sin and pursuing spiritual interests instead. In I Corinthians 6, the Christians at Corinth think that what they do with their bodies has no impact on the soul, but Paul demonstrates that theory as flawed. Our conduct, according to Romans 6:16, demonstrates our true identity.

If the world cannot tell a difference between who I am now and who I was, can God see the difference? When God looks down upon us, do we reflect Him, or do we still reflect the world in His eyes? Until the truth of God’s word is reflected in our lives, we demonstrate them to be no more than platitudes. We cannot merely listen to His word. We must learn from it and live it.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: attitude, behaviors, character, priorities

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Our world is not always a nice place. We see evidence of violence, sorrow, and hatred everywhere we look. Much of our common history is driven through conflict motivated by religious intolerance, ideological differences, oppression, or wonton cruelty. We are told by many political and even religious leaders to fear the world around us, to distrust those who are different from us, and to suspect anything we don’t understand. We are taught and reinforced to dwell on pain, hatred, and misery.

We live in a world that marginalizes the notion of peace, that chides a loving attitude as naïvety, and that demands conformity rather than embraces understanding. Too often, we laugh at those who would reflect these attitudes. So I want us to consider: what’s so funny ‘bout peace, love and understanding?

Inspiration from a Song

In 1974, singer-songwriter Nick Lowe released a song called “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding” on the album The New Favourites of Brinsley Schwarz. In 1979, Elvis Costello & The Attractions released a cover of the song on the American version of their album Armed Forces, and his version is probably the most famous.

The lyrics of the song are simple, asking where is the hope in this wicked world? Who can be trusted? Is there only pain, hatred, and misery? Where is our harmony, and what’s so funny ‘bout peace, love, and understanding? We might say the answers to these question are easy. We would say our hope is in God, like David in Psalm 39:7. We might be like Solomon in Proverbs 3:5 who says he trusts in God with all his heart. What do our lives say, however? Do we live like we trust God, or do we pay Him lip-service while we allow secular concerns to stir up conflict, animosity, and distrust in our lives?

The Bible on Peace, Love, and Understanding

Jesus and the New Testament writers have a few things to say regarding peace, love, and understanding.

On Peace. We often make a big deal of Jesus saying in Matthew 10:34 that He does not bring peace but a sword. We use that passage to occasionally defend ugly behavior, and we overlook the fact that the image of a sword is consistently applied to His message in the New Testament – not His people. His word is divisive, but we are to be peaceful. James 3:17 tells us that wisdom from above is peaceable and full of mercy. Jesus, in Matthew 5:9, calls peacemakers sons of God. Peace is listed as a fruit of the spirit in Galatians 5:22 along with gentleness in verse 23, and Romans 12:18 calls on us to live peaceably with all men. We are a peaceful people.

On Love. In Mark 12:28-31, a scribe asks Jesus what the greatest command is, and Jesus answers with two – love God and love our fellow man. I Corinthians 13 goes into a long description of what Christian love mean – being humble, hoping for the best, being gentle, patient, etc. – and verse 8 concludes that Christian love is unfailing. Jesus, in John 13:35, calls our love our identifying trait, and I John 4:7 calls those who demonstrate love born of God. Our lives should be defined by the love we show others.

On Understanding. This understanding is more than academic knowledge. It implies empathy, caring, and concern. Galatians 6:2 simply calls on us to bear each other’s burdens. To do this, we must be understanding toward each other. In Matthew 6:14, Jesus calls on us to be as forgiving toward others as we expect God to be of us. Ephesians 4:2 calls us to be gentle and long-suffering in our walk of unity, and Philippians 4:5 says our gentleness should be evident before all. We must be understanding if we are going to be a patient and forgiving people.

What’s So Funny Then?

What, then, is so funny about peace, love, and understanding? The answer is nothing, and when we criticize or mock these qualities in others, we make a mockery of the name we wear. In Matthew 23, Jesus decries the Pharisses’ habits of making mountains of molehills while neglecting the weightier matters. I fear we too often let personal agendas, political affiliations, and societal biases inform or be reflected in our lives more than the qualities demonstrated by our Savior. We cannot be more concerned with being good fiscal conservatives than good Christians; more concerned with following in the footsteps of the GOP that the footsteps of Christ; nor should we make more of our citizenship in this nation than we do our citizenship in Heaven. Jesus was peaceful. He was loving. He was understanding. We should be also.

We have a God who understands our troubles and cares for us according to I Peter 5:6-7. John 3:16 tells us that God’s love for us is so complete He sent His Son to die, and Philippianns 4:7 tells us that we find peace that surpasses understanding in Him. Our God is one of peace, love, and understanding. There is nothing funny about these qualities, and He asks us to live likewise in His image. Our daily lives should demonstrate that we see value in peace, love, and understanding.

By Robert Smelser

Tags: attitude, love, one another, character, my thoughts

Who are we? That’s a question for which we need to have an answer before we can share our hope with the world. Jesus, in Mark 8:27, asks His apostles who they think He is. He wants them to think about their perceptions of Him, and what those conclusions imply. We have the same responsibility toward ourselves.

Our family names, occupations, levels of education, genders races – these factors and more provide certain assumptions about us. Beyond these, who are we spiritually? What terms define our spiritual lives to ourselves? How do others perceive us in this regard? Our actions inform others of who we are – our morals, our decisions, our associations, our priorities. These qualities contribute to our character, and our character will determine the reputation we have with others.

Defining Our Spiritual Identities

We may call ourselves Christians, the redeemed, members of the church. In John 13:34, Jesus says our identity is defined by the love we demonstrate toward others. He says this love identifies us as His. Our character, then, should reflect Christ’s love. Galatians 5:13 begins a description of how love compels us to a life of service, just as Jesus exemplified when washing His apostles’ feet. In Colossians 1:9, Paul tells us we should be gaining spiritual wisdom to follow His example and bear fruits of good works.

Romans 7:4 says we belong to God so we may work for Him, and Hebrews 10:23 calls upon us to encourage one another, stirring up love and good works. Titus 3:1 instructs us to stay ready for opportunities to do good, and Paul goes on in this passage to tell us to avoid quarreling, to speak ill of none, to always be gentle. He speaks of good works as something to which we should devote our lives, refraining from things that tear us apart. Verse 14 says to be watchful for the needs around us and again to be fruitful.

It’s Not Of This World

Sometimes we allow our pasts to make decisions for us. Matthew 3:8 has Jesus speaking about fruits of repentance, but He warns His listeners against relying on their history. He speaks to personal accountability in verse 10, and Matthew 10:37 indicates that our ties to Christ should be stronger than those even to family. We cannot let our past or our ties to this world ultimately guide us. Instead, or identities are defined by the fruits we bear. All we say and do contributes to our spiritual reputation.

Who do others say that I am? More importantly, who does God say I am? I John 3:18 instructs us to be active in our love and that we cannot hide our true selves from Him. To the seven churches of Revelation 2-3, Jesus says to each that He knows their works. He acknowledges their reputations, but He knows who they really are underneath. Our manufactured reputations cannot hide our inner selves from God.

Conclusion

Back in Mark 8, after the apostles share their views about Jesus and Peter makes his confession of faith, Christ begins to reveal the true nature of His mission and the suffering He will endure. Peter, his mind set on the things of this life, rebukes Jesus. In the upper room, Peter can’t wrap his mind around Jesus’ example of service because it challenges his world view too much. We cannot let our identity get tied up in the things, the cares, or the praise of this world. Our self-definition should be spiritual in nature, and it should reflect that name we wear at all times.

By Dawson Guyer

Tags: identity, behaviors, character

James 3 talks about the importance of how we use our tongues as well as the challenges and benefits of controlling our tongues. Matthew 12:33-37 reinforces this point, speaking of the quality of fruit reflecting on the tree from which it comes. Likewise, James 3 describes the impossibility of a fountain producing both good and bitter water. Both passages are emphasizing the heart and that we will be held accountable for what comes from our mouths.

Using Words for Evil or for Good

Proverbs 6:16-19 describes lying tongues, false witness, and sowing discord as things the Lord views as abomination, and all of these proceed from our mouths. Proverbs 12:18 describes our mouths as weapons. Chapter 18:6-7 describes words that cause strife and earn punishment. Our words can be a snare, and Proverbs 11:9 describes a tongue that destroys our neighbors. Chapter 16:27-28 sounds similar to James speaking of our tongues as burning fires, and Proverbs 26:20 tells us that whispers and rumors are kindling to arguments. Finally, chapter 26:22 describes these rumors as tempting morsels that will go straight to our hearts. The words linger and bring us down when they are used for sinful purposes.

Proverbs 12:18 and 12:25 describe wise words as healing and relief to those who are burdened. Proverbs 16:24 also describes how words can be used for healing, and chapter 11:9 tells us that righteous words build up and deliver. Proverbs 10:11 describes good words as a fountain of life. Our words can bring others to Christ if we use our mouths correctly. Finally, Proverbs 15:4 describes our tongues as potential trees of life. Our words can help us and others gain access to Heaven and the Tree of Life.

Wisely Using Our Tongues

In this effort, we should use honest words. Returning to Proverbs 6:16-19, these abominations directly involve dishonesty. A lying tongue, sowing doubt and discord, bearing false witness. In contrast, Proverbs 16:13 speaks of loving those who speak what is right. Wisdom uses the tongue for good, and honesty is a good place to start.

Calming words appear in Proverbs 15:1 as a means of wisely turning away wrath. Proverbs 17:27 describes one who controls his words as wise. This is someone who is not easily inflamed to a poorly considered response. He is calm and collected. Proverbs 18:13 warns us against giving an answer before we hear the whole story. Be slow to speak and swift to hear according to James 3. Finally, our words should be used appropriately. Proverbs 15:23 tells us we have the ability to share joy in what I say and how I say it. Chapter 25:11 describes our words as golden apples when spoken wisely and appropriately.

However, Proverbs 14:23 reminds us that we have to have more than words. Our actions have to reflect what we say. Proverbs 10:19-20 reminds us to live what we profess. We have to both say the right things and do the right things. In conclusion, Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that our tongues can bring both life and death. What is it you and I are spreading with our words? Do we encourage others to life, or are we condemning ourselves and others to death? Only I can choose how I will use my tongue, and only I will be held responsible for what comes from it.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: our example, character

Where do I fit into the work of the church? I might look at what others are contributing and think, “I can’t do that,” “I don’t have the resources of that person,” and I might talk myself out doing what I can after comparing myself to others. We might be unable to see where there is room for the individual contributions each of us can make.

In this lesson, we’re going to look at four individuals who might have been considered insignificant but had great impacts for God’s cause.

Small Examples of Significance

Luke 19 introduces us to Zacchaeus. He is a small man in stature and in the eyes of those around him. He is a tax collector – a profession despised in all times and all cultures. Still, this man desires to see Jesus, and Jesus agrees to come to his house, causing dissension among others around Him. Zacchaeus simply welcomed Jesus into his home – showing hospitality. The end result of these actions are repentance and salvation.

Mark 12:38 leads up to the introduction of a poor widow who has no recorded name in the Scriptures. We know nothing of her outside this one simple act of self-sacrifice. While the wealthy make great shows of their vast contribution, this widow makes the greatest sacrifice – giving out of her need. Her status and monetary contribution are small, but her spiritual sacrifice is great.

I Kings 19 records Elijah fleeing to Sinai after Jezebel places a bounty on his life. After forty days and nights on Sinai, feeling himself a little man, accomplishing nothing, God appears to Elijah. A strong wind rips rocks off the mountain. An earthquake shakes the land. A great fire appears, but God is in none of these. Instead, God appears as a whisper, greatness wrapped in smallness.

Finally, II Kings 5 introduces us to a Syrian commander named Naaman. He is described as a great man who is unfortunately beset with leprosy, and he has a humble maiden who serves his wife. She’s a nobody, but her advice leads to Naaman’s cure – a cure that requires him to humbly obey Elisha’s word. These small factors lead Naaman to proclaim his knowledge of God.

Our Own Greatness in Smallness

What does God expect of us? Does he expect us to move mountains with every act, or is He looking for the small contributions we can make? Matthew 25:31 begins depicting a scene of the judgment, and Christ lists small acts of service as what His followers have done for His cause. They have shown generosity, kindness, and mercy to those around them in the small things they could do.

We should not begrudge those who can accomplish more, but we should recognize that God smiles upon those small things we can do as well. Andrew, in John 1, simply goes and gets his brother Peter to see Jesus – a small act with great consequences. Paul frequently mentions those who encourage him in his letters. Barnabas is recognized for the encouragement he is to others.

There are a lot of little things we can do, and these can add up to something bigger. Elisha, the poor widow, Naaman’s servant, and Zacchaeus all serve as illustrations of how small actions can have big consequences in our work for the Lord.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: examples, character, purpose

We are usually willing to help others, but we are seldom willing to inconvenience one’s self or give something important up in doing so. Jesus talks about this principle in Matthew 5:38-48, calling on us, as children of God (verse 45), to go an extra mile and giving of ourselves in helping others. We should go as far as we are willing and then some. This demonstrates our efforts in emulating our Lord.

Our God and the Second Mile

What if God had been unwilling to go “the second mile?” In Genesis 1 and 2, God prepares a paradise for man to live in. What if, after man sins, God had said He had already given enough? What if He was willing to do no more for His creation?

Romans 5:8-11 records God’s mindset in His sacrifice of Christ despite of and for the forgiveness of our sins. He does not wait for us to be perfect in His eyes to save us. He reconciles us in our enmity. II Peter 3:9 recounts God’s patience and His desire that all would repent. He continues to give us time and opportunity to turn from our rebellion, and I John 1:9 speaks to God’s willingness to forgive us. He is willing to go another mile on our behalf.

Emulating Our God

Luke 6:36, I Peter 5:10, and I Peter 2:3 all speak about God’s mercy and graciousness. James 2:13 and Jude 22 encourages us to emulate that mercy. Luke 6:36 Calls us to be merciful as God is merciful. Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:13 records that we are to be kind, patient, and forgiving toward each other – again emulating God’s forgiveness of us.

Colossians 3:12, II Timothy 2:24, and Ephesians 4:1-2 name even more qualities exemplifying God in our lives. The overriding principle in all of these these things is unselfishness. Putting others first, being willing to give of ourselves for the benefit of others, inconveniencing ourselves for another’s sake. This is second-mile thinking.

Conclusion

Matthew 5:45-48 reminds us that this mindset is part of our spiritual heritage. As children of God, spiritually born again, we should inherit the qualities demonstrated by our Heavenly Father. He gives of Himself without end. He want us to reflect Him among men, so we should also develop second-mile thinking and engage in second-mile work.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: godly qualities, character, one another

Paul, in the Romans 12, speaks of being distinct and separate from the world, and our attitude plays a role in this differentiation. One element of our attitude is reflected in how we speak to each other – reflecting the humility we are supposed to possess. Paul returns to the attitudes and motivations behind our actions, treating those factors as every bit as important as the actions themselves. We should be careful how we come across to others in attitude, action, and speech. Humility should underscore all of these – true humility, not feigned artificial forms of humility.

Our Speech Reflecting Ourselves

In Ephesians 4:15, Paul instructs us speak the truth in Christ, but how we speak that truth is important as the speaking. Colossians 4:6 reminds us to speak with grace, as seasoned with salt. That is, our manner of speech should be in such a way that what we have to say is easier to swallow. Our speech should always be gracious. Our speech should reflect humility.

II Corinthians 10:1 continues this theme of humility. Paul appeals to his readers, calling them to him for instruction. His manner again demonstrates graciousness and humility. Galatians 6:1 speaks of restoring sinners in a spirit of gentleness or meekness. This is not an attitude of forcefulness or self-righteousness. Rather we should be fair and kind. Hebrews 12:13-13 calls us to heal and restore one in error – not defeat him or her.

II Timothy 2:24-25 calls on us to correct those who oppose God’s word, but we are to do this patiently, avoiding a combative attitude. II Timothy 4:2 speaks of reproving, rebuking, and exhorting, and this must be done with all long-suffering – returning again to the idea of patience. I Peter 3:15 tells us to be continually ready to give an answer for the hope within us, but we should do this in humility and recognition of the individual’s value. This is not something in which to engage with a flippant attitude.

Conclusion

Returning to Ephesians 4:15, our speaking truth should be done in love. We have read passage after passage that emphasizes a specific attitude that should pervade our speech and the discussions we engage in. We may win an argument but lose a soul. This is not softening the truth, but it is a quality that compels others to desire further discussion. We inspire curiosity among others, and we draw them to God with our words rather than drive them off with a false sense of self-justification. Again, we should teach, but our attitude and our reasons for our actions will be reflected in how we fulfill that command. Do we reflect love and humility?

By Tim Smelser

Tags: attitude, character, our example, teaching

Peter can be described in many ways – impulsive, reactionary, impetuous – and he had a knack for speaking or acting without thinking. In all this, he was still one of Jesus’ closest disciples. He was full of good intentions, and he eventually grows to a mature Christian. One story really seems to characterize much of what we identify with in Peter, and that story is in Matthew 14:22-33 when Peter goes out to join Jesus on the water.

Joining Peter On the Water

The boat is place of safety, but Peter willingly leaves that safety to join Jesus. He wanted to be with and like the Lord. In John 13:6-8, Peter implores Jesus to fully wash him if that is what it takes to be more like Him. Also, in John 21:5-8, Peter is so excited to see Jesus that he jumps from the boat he is in and swims to shore. Where Jesus was, Peter wanted to be. In Matthew 14, when Peter sees Jesus walking on the water, he wants to be with his Lord, and he wants to be like his Lord.

Unfortunately, once Peter sees how unbelievable and potentially dangerous his situation was, he lost faith and began to sink. We should be willing to have the enthusiasm and zeal of Peter, and hopefully we can maintain the faith needed to persevere. In Philippians 2:5, Paul entreats us to have a similar mind to Christ, and he uses subsequent verses to elaborate on what that means. He tells us to put others first, to remain humble, and these are traits found in Jesus’ example. In I Peter 2:21, Peter makes a similar request of Christians. Peter tried to follow Jesus’ footsteps, and he sometimes stumbled. In the end, though, he found the path to emulating Christ.

Additionally, we should desire to be with the Lord as Peter did. Our goal should be to live our lives so we may one day be with our Lord. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus invites us to come to Him to find spiritual rest. Matthew 16:24 records Jesus asking those listening to crucify self and follow Him. We should be living every day trying to draw closer to Him.

However, we should avoid the distractions of this world discouraging us from our goal. Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us to keep our eyes on Jesus, laying aside those things in our lives that may hold us back. Like Peter, we may see obstacles that hinder our paths, but if we remained focused on Jesus, we can overcome. In Philippians 3:13, Paul claims he puts his past behind him in order to stretch towards his goal of Jesus.

Conclusion

If we want to walk on the water with our Lord, we have to get out of the boat. We may be comfortable and feel safe in the situation we are in, but if we want to be with and like Jesus, we have to get up, disregard those things that hold us back, and make the effort to follow Him. This requires work. It requires obedience. It requires humility. It requires faith. Luke 6:46-49 records Jesus asking why we might say we believe Him but put no effort in that statement. Multiple times in John 3, Jesus expresses the effort required in following Him.

There are many things in our lives we can plan for or aspire to, but none of these can be accomplished without taking the first step toward our goals. Remaining motionless will not bring us closer to Jesus. I have to be willing to focus my eyes on Christ, step out of the boat, achieve what I perceive as impossible, and go to Him.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: character, faith, examples, jesus, peter

Pontius Pilate was responding to several pressures in his decision to crucify Jesus, and different people have different assessments in how he handles the situation of Christ. Early on, Pilate comes to the conclusion that Jesus is an innocent man, and that He was brought before Pilate for political reasons. However, he displays a lack of inner conviction when put against the pressures surrounding him. In Luke 23:4-7, Pilate is recorded as trying to wash his hands of the matter, and he also tries to release Jesus three or four times. Unfortunately, he finally bows to political and social influences. He allows self interest to take priority. He bowed to the crowd, and he allows an innocent Jesus be killed.

Pilate in Our Lives

In Matthew 21:25, Jesus turns the questioning of the religious leaders back on them, and they are caught in political consequences. They fail to make a stand, and they demonstrate a lack of inner conviction. Likewise, Pilate tries to make Jesus into Herod’s problem. There are many people who profess to believe in God or Jesus but will not submit to His will. We want to be told what to believe and that we are okay doing exactly what we are already doing. We can lack inner conviction when it comes to our service in God. Do we worship because social or family pressures dictate it, or do we do this because we believe it is the right thing to do? Do we know what we believe and why we believe it?

In John 19:12-13, Pilate realizes a veiled threat in the crowd’s response to his desire to release Jesus. He knows releasing Jesus could result in political suicide, and he put self interest before justice and truth. Likewise, we might find ourselves in similar situations with our jobs or our families, where we may not want to sacrifice what we have for the cause of Christ. We might feel that our ungodly personality traits are justified because, “That’s just who I am.”

Finally, in Matthew 27:17-21 and in Luke 23:23, Pilate allows himself to be swayed by the mobs. He gives in to popular opinion, and disregards what he knows to be the truth. Peer pressure can be a difficult thing to deal with, but, if our conviction is strong enough, we can make the right decisions despite what others might say. Doing what is popular is not always the correct thing to do, and we should be able to tell the difference when such moral dilemmas arise.

Conclusion

If we start with God’s will, His word, and His promises,we can begin to build the character lacking in Pilate. When tempted in the wilderness, Jesus always falls back onto God’s word, and the psalmist describes that same word as a light to guide our feet. When we are faced with decisions, we should know those principles that guide us, and, in His word, we can know God’s will. In I Samuel 15:22-23 Samuel asks Saul what is more pleasing to God – serving God on his own terms or on the Lord’s terms? Also, Psalm 51:10-17 reflects this idea that we should be directed by His will. Wrapping up, in I Corinthians 7:1 encourages to use God's promises as motivating factors for our godliness, and Hebrews 6, as the author warns of spiritual immaturity, we are reminded to remain diligent to obtain God’s promises in verses 11-12.

We do not have to succumb to the same pressures that swayed Pontius Pilate. There are many things that influence our lives, but we can gain aim. We can strengthen our resolve to place God before self interests and social pressures. We can be more than this ruler we read of in the trial of Jesus, and we can gain strength from God in this process.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: character, examples, priorities

Names can be fascinating, and, when we name a child, we go through a great deal of preparation and research in the process. We make associations with names, and they mean something to us. What does our name of Christian mean to us? The name literally means that which belongs to or pertains to Christ. In Ephesians 1:22-23 and Romans 6:3 we are described as being in Christ’s body and His death, and Galatians 3:27 we are said to have put on Christ.

Qualities of the Name

This name brings a new life. In II Corinthians 5:17, Paul states that any man who is in Christ is a new creature – a whole new being. It brings a new life including a fresh start, freedom from guilt, erasure of our past sins. We begin new, and those selfish choices that have kept us separated from God are no longer present. In this, we should now be avoiding those old sins. Hebrews 10:28 warns us to be aware of our respect for the blood that saved us, and that respect affects our behaviors. Colossians 3:5 instructs us to put that old identity to death after we take on the new (verses 12-15).

This name indicates a change in character. This ties closely to our new life. In I Peter 2:21, Paul informs us that our example can be found in Christ. We are to walk in His steps. Christ lived a life focused on others rather than Himself, and our new character should reflect a similar attitude. Kindness, forgiveness, caring, and patience a characterized in Him and should also be in us. How often do our actions reflect an image in contradiction with the name we wear? We wear a new name, and our character should be reflecting that name.

This name brings new relationships. Before becoming a CHristian, our relationships may have centered around ourselves. “I come first.” In Galatians 2:20, Paul speaks of severing his relationship with self, and his new life is centered around Christ instead. How many times do the New Testament authors remind us that we were “bought with a price,” and we are no longer our own? In Matthew 6:33, Jesus reminds us to put God first. Furthermore, this new name gives us a relationship with other CHristians. We become brothers and sisters in Christ, and we have responsibilities and obligations toward one another. I cannot have a relationship with Christ if I do not have a relationship with those that are His.

Conclusion

We take a certain amount of pride in our family names. We give special consideration to those who share our family name. Likewise, wearing Christ’s name means something to Him, and it really should mean something to us. To wear His name without His character demonstrates disloyalty, and to view the name as secondary to our identity shows divided loyalty. We are to be Christ’s, wholly and completely. I Peter 4:16 reminds us to not be ashamed of the name of Christian but to rather glorify God while we wear that name.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: character, identity, behaviors, conversion

I Thessalonians 5:21 instructs to examine all things, and this process is not only for external influences but for ourselves as well. We have a reputation that others see in us, but it may or may not reflect the character within us – which is what God knows about us. However, that opinion others have of us can influence our self esteem. We can think highly of ourselves or very lowly.

Neither the opinions of others or our own self image can be truly accurate measures of the type of person we are. That character that God sees is the true measure – that person we are when no one is watching. It is our character by which God judges us.

The Christian Character

In James 1:27 tells us to remain unspotted, and I Timothy 5:22 warns us not to endorse others quickly in order to keep ourselves pure. I Peter 1:14-15 instructs us to remain holy in character, and Romans 12:1-2 instructs us to remain separate from worldly standards. Finally, Philippians 4:8 encourages to focus on things that are holy and pure. Our focus defines our character, and our focus is to be on God. His character should define our character.

This emphasis on purity and absence from worldly influences is to prevent our characters from being corrupted. I Corinthians 15:33 warns us not to fool ourselves into false confidence and acknowledges the negative influence others can have on us. Returning to I Peter, in chapter 2:1, Peter tells us that we are not immune to these corrupting influences, and I Corinthians 10:12 warns against overconfidence in this struggle. I may think I’m impervious to the influences around me while they slowly tear me down.

Conclusion

My character will be judged by God, and my salvation hinges on it. Galatians 5:16 instructs us to deny lusts of the flesh and walk spiritually. We should know and acknowledge the character flaws we have and work on them, and Galatians 5:22-25 gives us qualities to fill ourselves with. There is personal responsibility in this, according to Philippians 2:12-15, while we place our trust and reliance on God.

Galatians 6:9-10, Colossians 3:1-2, and Matthew 5:16 all encourage us to be full of goodness, always seeking, always aware of the example we set for others. We should be workers of righteousness – not for the respect and praise of others but to please God.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: our example, character

In this lesson, we’re going to look at the story of the Good Samaritan. In our Old Testament stories, we’re seeing that lack of concern for others was a huge issue both the northern and southern kingdoms had, and, in Jesus’ time, this was no different.
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Who Is My Neighbor?

In Luke 10, Jesus is questioned, “Who is my neighbor?” Who am I to act neighborly toward? Who is included in my kindness and my caring? In response to this, Jesus tells a story that we are very familiar with regarding a man assaulted on the Jericho road – an often steep, winding path on which it was easy to take others by surprise.
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We know of the priest and Levite who avoid the assaulted individual, but this Samaritan (considered heretical half-breeds by the Jews of the time) took compassion and helped. Jesus asks, “Who proved to be the neighbor?” Then He concludes, “Go and do likewise.”
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Inconveniencing Self

When opportunities to help arise, do we find excuses to avoid involvement? These passers-by may have had similar excuses:
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• “It’s more prudent to avoid helping. He may be faking.”
• “I may end up in the same problem if I stop and help.”
• “I may be accused of the crime while I am trying to help.”

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All three of these excuses are legitimate lines of reasoning. They are probable, but none were the case in this example. The one who had the most reasons to avoid helping, stopped and acted as a neighbor.
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Galatians 6:9-10 encourages us to avoid discouragement in doing good and that all should be recipients of our kindness as we have opportunity, especially other Christians. None should be excluded from our compassion or helpfulness.
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In James 2:8, this concept is called a royal law just as Jesus paired it as the greatest commandment with loving and following God. James says we do well to fulfill this law. However, it can be easy to ignore or even take advantage of others. Do we pass by “on the other side?” Are we full of reasons not to help despite the one big reason to help, or do we just tune out opportunities we might see?
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Application

As Christians, compassion should be a part of our lives, and we should act on that compassion. The Samaritan took the time to stop and help. He shared of his possessions to make sure this individual was helped. He was like those of Matthew 25 who inconvenienced self to make life easier for others.
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We cannot tune out those opportunities to help others. We can always do more than we are specifically asked. We can find opportunities if we open our ears and our eyes to look for them. Additionally, this applies to spiritual needs we see around us. In I Peter 2:9, we are asked to reveal God’s excellence in ourselves. Not only are we to look out for each other’s physical needs, but we are to also be mindful of the spiritual needs of our friends and neighbors.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: examples, one another, character