Christian Character

Character: Jesus’ Identity: Luke 9: 18-22

Tue, 4 May 2010 08:09:48 -0500

“But whom do you say that I am?”

In his book, “The Unchained Soul,” Calvin Trillin begins by noting, “In the never ending interchanges that compose our lives, we are constantly being asked for our names and two or three pieces of identification.”

The underlying question behind this probing is, “Are you who you say you are? And can you prove it?”

In a sense, every encounter calls us to re-examine our own self-concept, and ask, if only fleetingly, “Who am I?” The answer may come down to the role we’re playing and the circumstances we find ourselves in at the moment.

But superficial descriptions don’t begin to explain who we are at the very core of our being. That’s why so few people saw beyond appearances when they encountered Jesus. They saw Him as a humble carpenter, itinerant preacher, rabbi, rebel, miracle worker and, in some eyes, Satan. They didn’t see Jesus for who He really was.

Frustrated, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, ‘Who do people say I am?’

Some said John the Baptist; others said Elijah; still others said He was a prophet returned from the dead. Disappointed, Jesus asked again,’But who do you say I am?’

Only bluff, gruff Peter looked upon this upstart son of a lowly carpenter and answered without hesitation: “The Christ of God.”

It is Peter’s answer that must dictate the way we live out our lives. But notice what Jesus said, when Peter declared Him to be the Christ. Jesus forbade Him to tell anyone. He said the Son of Man must first endure many sufferings and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and scribes.

Peter must have been stunned. A suffering savior did not fit the image of the Messiah that most Jews had in mind. It was easy for people to imagine a transcendent Messiah, who would reign in all His glory. It was easy to picture the victorious Christ. It was much harder to relate to a suffering savior.
Yet, that is the identity Jesus wanted to impress upon His disciples.

If we recognize the selfless, suffering Jesus as our Lord, our identities must somehow be subsumed into His. If we believe Jesus was our Lord and Savior, our actions, our lifestyles, our thoughts, aspirations and prayers must bear out our belief.

If you were to ask your friends the same question that Jesus put to His disciples, how many would immediately say that you are a Christian?

Character: Being True to Yourself: Matthew 5: 33-37

Tue, 4 May 2010 08:02:30 -0500

“. . . let your speech be yea, yea: no, no: and that which is over and above these, is of evil. . .”

The Pharisees were hypocrites, their character best revealed in the way they twisted the truth. They agreed it was wrong to swear an oath in God's name. But, on the other hand, they said, if you swore an oath to the high heavens or on all that is holy - - without actually naming God - - you weren't bound by the oath.

Christ told them such oaths made a mockery of truth. ‘Let your 'yes' be 'yes' and your 'no' be 'no,’ He said. He expected His followers to be men and women of character, to remain true to their commitments.

Remember what Christ said to Pilate? "I came into the world to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of the truth listens to me."

"What is the truth?" Pilate asked. But Jesus didn't answer him.

Jesus didn’t reply because the truth is not a noun to be parsed; it is a verb to be lived. He showed Pilate and the entire world the meaning of truth through His actions. Jesus was true to His word. He was a man of character.

Isn't that a comforting thought - - to know that our God keeps His promises? When He says, "Truly, truly, he who believes has eternal life," He isn't exaggerating. When He says, "Your sins are forgiven," His fingers aren't crossed. When He says, "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free," He means it.

Jesus on Truthiness: Matthew 5: 33-37

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 17:01:34 -0500

“I say to you not to swear at all. . .”

The Pharisees were hypocrites, their character best revealed in the way they twisted the truth. They agreed it was wrong to swear an oath in God's name. But, on the other hand, they said, if you swore an oath to the high heavens or on all that is holy - - without actually naming God - - you weren't bound by the oath.

Christ told them such oaths made a mockery of truth. "Let your 'yes' be 'yes' and your 'no' be 'no,'” He said. He expected His followers to be men and women of character, to remain true to their commitments.

Remember what Christ said to Pilate? "I came into the world to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of the truth listens to me."

"What is the truth?" Pilate asked. But Jesus didn't answer him.

Jesus didn’t reply because the truth is not a noun to be parsed; it is a verb to be lived. He showed Pilate and the entire world the meaning of truth through His actions. Jesus was true to His word. He was a man of character.

Isn't that a comforting thought - - to know that our God keeps His promises? When He says, "Truly, truly, he who believes has eternal life," He isn't exaggerating. When He says, "Your sins are forgiven," His fingers aren't crossed. When He says, "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free," He means it.